STUDENTS from the University of Jos held a peaceful solidarity march on Friday to condemn the ongoing mass killings and violent attacks in Benue and other parts of North-Central Nigeria.
The protest, organized in collaboration with the National Union of Benue State Students (NUBESS), denounced what protesters described as “ethnic cleansing,” “land grabbing,” and the systematic targeting of farming communities in the region.
The demonstration began at 10am at the P-Site Main Gate of the University of Jos (Naraguta Campus, Permanent Site), with students and members of the public dressed in black to mourn the victims. Protesters carried placards and chanted slogans demanding justice, security, and an end to the violence.
A memo jointly signed by NUBESS President Kangyang J. Pwajok and Secretary Dauda Jonathan Shupkuk outlined the students’ grievances, citing recent attacks in Yelwata, Guma LGA of Benue State, where over 200 villagers were reportedly killed.
The memo stated: “It is with deep sorrow and grave concern that we address the ongoing killings across Benue, Plateau, and other parts of North-Central Nigeria.
“These violent acts have claimed the lives of our parents, peers, and the future of our nation — the youth. We rise in unity to demand an end to this bloodshed. We condemn the recent massacre in Yelwata and stand together to say: Enough is enough.”
The protest also gained support from the Revolutionary Socialist Movement (RSM), whose members joined with banners calling for justice, land reform, and community-based security measures.
Slogans included “Stop Killing Farmers!”, “Land Reform and Nationalisation of Ranching Reserves!”, and “Mass Mobilisation to End Attacks on Farming Communities.”
The RSM further urged Nigerians to unite against divisive policies and reject systemic inequality fueling the violence.
The march concluded peacefully, with participants reiterating their demands for government action to ensure the safety of vulnerable communities in the region.
