Tension gripped Makurdi on Saturday morning as angry youths barricaded the busy Makurdi–Lafia–Abuja highway with the corpses of three farmers allegedly killed by suspected armed herdsmen at Abagena and Atsom villages in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State.
The protesters, who stormed the road as early as 9 a.m., disrupted traffic between Makurdi and Daudu, leaving motorists stranded for hours.
One of the protesters, who gave his name as Ushahemba, said the victims were attacked on their farms around 8:30 a.m.
“There were cries for help after the herders attacked. People started running with their families. They killed three and took several others hostage,” he said.
According to him, more casualties could still be discovered, as many villagers remain missing and residents fear venturing deep into the bush.
He also recalled that two other people were killed on Friday at Tse Adaa village in neighbouring Guma LGA.
“The only way our people can show their anger is to bring the corpses to the road so that authorities will understand what we are going through,” Ushahemba added, demanding government intervention to halt the repeated attacks.
The demonstrators also insisted that Governor Hyacinth Alia should address them at the scene before they would consider leaving the highway.
Security operatives were later deployed to the area to restore calm and persuaded the protesters to clear the road.
As of press time, police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet could not be reached for comment.