Hundreds of protesters barricaded the busy Makurdi–Abuja highway at the Garba–Atson–Abagena IDP camp axis, paralyzing traffic for hours.
Tension erupted in the Makurdi Local Government Area after residents from Achakpa community took to the streets. They were protesting a deadly attack by suspected armed herdsmen that killed several people and left others missing.
The protesters wielded placards and tree branches while chanting solidarity songs. They vowed not to leave the road until justice was served.
The attack occurred in the early hours of Saturday, September 20, on the outskirts of Achakpa along the North Bank–Lafia road. Assailants killed a farmer, Tor Felafa, his son, and Mr. Francis Kulegwa, a senior choirmaster at Daudu Mission in the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi.
The attackers ambushed the victims on their farms, reportedly after monitoring farming activities in the area. Several villagers were abducted, while others narrowly escaped. Some residents are still missing.
Benue, known as Nigeria’s “Food Basket,” has long experienced clashes between farmers and herders, often leading to deaths, property destruction, and mass displacement.
Local leaders continue to call for stronger government intervention to protect rural communities that remain vulnerable to armed attacks.
As of press time, neither the Benue State Government nor the Benue State Police Command had issued an official statement.
