Benue Youths Block Abuja–Makurdi Highway in Protest Over Ongoing Killings

 

In a dramatic display of discontent and public outrage, youths from various communities across Benue State staged a protest earlier this week, completely blocking the strategic Abuja–Makurdi highway. Their action is a direct response to what they decry as unrelenting attacks and killings across the state—largely carried out by armed herdsmen and bandits, as well as perceived governmental inaction.

At the heart of the protest lies simmering anger over a series of violent attacks in Benue. On 25 May 2025, gunmen attacked Gwer West Local Government Area, killing 20 people, marking the latest in a string of brutal raids in the region.

Earlier in April 2025, over 100 residents were reportedly killed in Gum community by unidentified gunmen. These tragedies reignited longstanding grievances, especially against armed herders and bandits blamed for substantial loss of life in farmlands and rural villages.

Hundreds of youths reportedly mobilised along the Abuja–Makurdi Federal Highway, bringing traffic to a standstill. This highway, a key artery linking the Federal Capital Territory with Nigeria’s north-central region, was blocked with burning tyres, human barricades, and placards demanding justice and enhanced security.

Local residents noted that the protest was largely peaceful—marked by emotionally charged song chants, tears, speeches, and impassioned pleas for security. Still, the blockade sparked concern for motorists stranded for hours, heightening public awareness and forcing national attention on the crisis.

Notably, similar protests have occurred before in Benue’s Ukum and Gwer West LGAs. In July 2024, youths blocked roads and stormed local council offices after banditry resulted in up to 11 deaths, prompting the state government to impose curfews.

Observers say the current highway blockade echoes those earlier protests—both in method and motivation.

In past incidents like the 2024 Ukum LGA blockade, authorities initially imposed emergency curfews, then deployed military and police to disperse protesters and restore vehicular movement. 

In the latest wave of protests, Benue State’s government spokespersons have confirmed youth involvement and acknowledged rising tension. Security agencies have begun deploying patrols along the highway, though it remains to be seen if this will de-escalate the situation.

Security analysts and opposition leaders are urging a multifaceted response: enforcement of anti-open grazing laws, deeper deployment of community policing, and stronger intelligence gathering through Civilian Joint Task Forces to quickly counter herder incursions—recommendations also echoed in previous analyses of Benue’s herder‑farmer conflicts.

Protest leaders have called on Governor Hyacinth Alia and President Bola Tinubu’s administration to:

• Fully implement the Anti‑Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law.
• Bolster local volunteer and vigilante outfits with proper training and equipment.
• Provide substantial support and security for displaced communities returning to their farmlands.