Plateau/Benue: Youths in Benue Barricade Highway with Corpses of Armed Herdsmen Victims!

Plateau/Benue: Youths in Benue Barricade Highway with Corpses of Armed Herdsmen Victims!

Sele Media Africa
www.selemedia.org
Reported by David Joshua | Sele Media Africa Reporter

Benue State, Nigeria — In a tragic display of anger and desperation, youths from Abagena and Atsom villages in Makurdi Local Government Area blocked the Makurdi‑Lafia‑Abuja highway, placing the corpses of victims killed by suspected armed herdsmen on the road. The incident occurred Saturday morning as protests intensified over repeated attacks in farming communities.

What Happened

• Around 8:30 a.m., farmers in their fields were reportedly attacked by suspected herdsmen. Three people were killed in that attack in Abagena and Atsom villages. [1]
• Earlier in the day, two more people were killed in a separate attack in Tse Adaa village in neighboring Guma LGA. [1]
• In protest, the youths formed a blockade on the highway between Makurdi and Daudu, laying out the recovered bodies to force authorities to respond to their cries for protection and justice. The move brought traffic to a standstill on a major artery connecting Makurdi and Abuja. [1]

Demands & Reactions

• The protesters demanded government intervention to stop the attacks, better protection for farmers, and justice for the deceased. [1]
• Security agencies were eventually deployed, and the youth protesters were persuaded to reopen the road after the arrival of officials. [1]

Why This Matters

• These killings highlight ongoing crisis in agrarian communities across Benue, where clashes with herdsmen over farmlands and safety continue to spark protests.
• The act of laying corpses on the highway is symbolic of the severe frustration and sense of abandonment felt by the affected residents.
• The incident underscores calls for stronger security measures, reliable law enforcement, and long‑term solutions to rural and farmer safety in regions plagued by violence.

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Managing Editor of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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