On Wednesday, youths in large numbers blocked the Ayati-Sai road in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State to protest against the ongoing wave of killings in their community.
The protest, which escalated to the council secretariat in Zaki Biam, the headquarters of Ukum LGA, saw youths venting their anger over what they perceive as government neglect towards the frequent violence plaguing the area.
According to a resident of Ayati village who preferred anonymity, the protest was triggered by the brutal killing of 11 people the previous night by local bandits. The incident sparked outrage among the local population, prompting them to take to the streets in protest.
“Some of the youths also went to the council secretariat with the recovered corpses to vent their anger, smashing windows and destroying property,” the resident recounted.
Chairman Victor Iorzaa of Ukum LGA, when contacted, refrained from commenting on the incident, citing a lack of authority to speak on the matter at the time.
Meanwhile, Catherine Anene, spokesperson for the state command, confirmed the protest in Ukum LGA but indicated she was awaiting further details on its cause.
Joseph Har, the Special Adviser to the state Governor on Internal Security, attributed the killings to bandits and acknowledged the protest as a response to the ongoing violence. He assured the public of ongoing efforts by the state government to address the security challenges, emphasizing recent successful operations against the bandits in nearby areas.
Har expressed determination to sustain pressure on the perpetrators to ensure lasting peace in the region, despite the latest violent incidents being viewed as desperate acts by a weakened adversary.
The protest underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures and government intervention to curb the recurrent violence and restore peace to affected communities in Benue State.
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