The Benue State House of Assembly has called on the Nigerian Police to immediately release 14 protesters arrested on Sunday in Makurdi. The protesters were demonstrating against the brutal killings in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, where over 200 people reportedly lost their lives and many others remain missing.
During its Tuesday plenary session, the Assembly also urged the government to take stronger measures to protect vulnerable communities across the state, especially in areas frequently targeted by violent attacks.
Human rights activist and Federal Capital Territory Chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC), Agena Robert Ande, had earlier condemned the police’s response to the peaceful protest. In a statement on Sunday, he described the crackdown as “state-sponsored brutality” and accused Governor Hyacinth Alia of showing “utter incompetence and disregard for human life.”
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Ande said the peaceful demonstrators were met with excessive force, including teargas, armored vehicles, and helicopters. He criticized the government for violently dispersing citizens who were simply demanding an end to bloodshed.
Meanwhile, in the Agatu area of Benue, tensions remain high after the Nigerian military reportedly arrested local leaders amid ongoing Fulani herdsmen attacks. According to Leonard Apia, spokesperson for the concerned citizens of Agatu, the arrests occurred in the middle of the night on April 28 and have sparked further outrage.
“Those arrested include Mr. Abu Idakwo from Oleginaigwu and Mr. Echoda Ajene, the youth leader from Ogbangede,” Apia stated.
With no sign of the violence ending, public frustration is growing. President Bola Tinubu is expected to visit Benue on Wednesday following nationwide criticism over his silence and delayed response to the crisis.
