By Amos Aar
THERE is renewed tension in Benue State following reports that armed herders have blocked the Agatu-Abuja Road, allegedly to ambush travellers.
The claim was shared in a WhatsApp group for journalists, where a reporter sought verification from the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet.
As of the time of filing this report, the police spokesperson had not yet responded to the inquiry.
This incident coincides with reports that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, has relocated to Makurdi, the Benue State capital, in response to ongoing attacks on civilians by suspected herders and armed militia groups.
Meanwhile, hundreds of women, under the banner of Voice of the Hopeless Women, staged a peaceful protest across Apa Local Government Area today, expressing distress over continued killings in their communities.
In a letter titled: “Notification of a Peaceful Demonstration,” addressed to local authorities, the women condemned what they described as persistent attacks on their families, homes, and farmlands.
The letter, signed by bereaved women of Apa and endorsed by the Hunter Group of NIE, Apa Chapter, was submitted to the Chairman of Apa LGA, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Civil Defence, Volunteer Guard, and traditional and religious leaders.
“We have been provoked by their incursions into our farms, homes, and rooms to kill and destroy our children, husbands, and loved ones, including fellow women,” the letter stated. “Today, our children can hardly attend school, our lives are at risk, and our future is in ruins.”
The protest follows Sunday’s attack in Ankpali Edikwu, also in Apa LGA, where gunmen reportedly targeted residents in their homes during daylight. Witnesses say the assailants deliberately attacked individuals inside their houses, a pattern increasingly observed in the region.
Demonstrations were confirmed to have taken place on Tuesday morning across the LGA. Earlier that day, gunshots were reportedly heard in Odugbo, heightening fear among residents.
Many have expressed frustration over perceived government inaction, which they believe has emboldened the attackers.
“Even in the North East, where Boko Haram operates, they do not enter homes to slaughter people like animals,” one protester said. “But in Ankpali and other parts of Apa, herders move from house to house, killing people in brutal and dehumanizing ways.”
Growing discontent in the community has led to accusations of government neglect, with civil society groups and women’s associations calling for urgent intervention. Protesters carried placards with messages such as “Stop Killing Our Men,” “We Are Widows Not by Choice,” and “Enough is Enough.”
Their demands include immediate security deployment, a thorough investigation into the attacks, and relief for affected families.
The violence has persisted despite a 10-day ultimatum issued by Benue’s traditional leaders for herders to vacate the state, which expired on May 30, 2025.
