Protest Erupts on Makurdi–Lafia Highway as Residents Decry Killings by Suspected Herdsmen
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Tension gripped parts of Benue State on Saturday as angry residents blocked the Makurdi–Lafia federal highway in protest over the killing of five people allegedly by suspected herdsmen.
The victims were reportedly attacked while heading to their farms on the outskirts of Makurdi, near the border with Guma Local Government Area. The incidents, which occurred in separate attacks between Friday evening and Saturday morning, sparked outrage among villagers who carried three of the corpses to the highway to demand immediate government intervention.
Eyewitnesses said two victims were killed on Friday near Tse Adaa in Guma Local Government Area, while three others lost their lives on Saturday morning in Abagena and Atsom communities in Makurdi Local Government Area. 
“The killings prompted the protesters to move the corpses to the road, demanding government action to end the attacks,” said Asongo Terka, a resident of the area.
Travellers were stranded for hours as the protesters refused to disperse. A motorist caught in the blockade, John Ogi, confirmed that villagers insisted on being addressed directly by the Benue State Governor before they would reopen the road.
Security operatives were later deployed to the scene to restore calm and negotiate with the demonstrators.
Confirming the incident, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Udeme Edet, said two farmers were attacked and killed in Guma Local Government Area while on their way to the farm.
Meanwhile, photos and amateur videos circulating on social media showed aggrieved residents barricading the Makurdi–Lafia road, warning road users to avoid the area. Some stranded commuters also streamed live footage from the scene, highlighting the intensity of the protest.
