In Benue State, a mass protest was held yesterday by a group of displaced women, expressing their outrage over the recurring violence perpetrated by militant herdsmen. This protest was prompted by the recent murder of three local farmers in the Ngban community.
Situated along the Makurdi – Lafia Road, Ngban has seen a surge in attacks this year. The community, primarily composed of peasant farmers, has been under repeated attacks from the herdsmen. The deadliest of these assaults took place on April 7, 2023, in which 36 lives were lost.
Prior to this, six people, which included three members of the Benue Community Volunteer Guards, were brutally murdered. The latest incident, which saw the death of three more farmers, sparked widespread protest. This protest disrupted the normal flow of traffic on the Federal Highway, which links Benue State with Nassarawa State, at the Igyungu Ortese point.
Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, the Governor of Benue State, responded by sending a delegation of local traditional leaders. The delegation, led by His Royal Highness Dennis Shemberga, the Ter Guma, and Chief Bernard Shawa, the District Head of Nyiev, tried to pacify the protesting women and asked them to clear the road until the Governor could address their concerns.
However, as of filing this report, attempts to reach Supol Catherine Anene, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, for a confirmation of the incident have been unsuccessful.
SOURCE: The Guardian
IMAGE: Tribune Online
