Protesting youths block road as herders attack Benue community

Some youths of Asta community, a suburb of Makurdi in Benue State blocked the road that leads to Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University of Agriculture to protest an attack by suspected herders.

The irate youths blocked the road in the early hours of Monday, June 3, 2024, preventing the movement of motorists.

A resident of the area who spoke to the punch said that the blockage was to vent their anger on the attack by suspected herdsmen on the community, which led to various degrees of injury sustained by people in the community.

The resident, who identified himself as Dave, said that the suspected herders invaded the community at about 1:00 am on Monday.

“Early hours of today, at about 1,00am, some people suspected to be herders came to this community (Asta) and attacked people with machetes, knives, and dangerous weapons,” he said. 

“About six people were taken to the hospital; some security operatives came to repel the attackers

“Because of what happened, some youths came out this morning to block the road and  vowed not to leave the road until the governor, Rev Fr Hycinth Alia comes to address them.” 

The Special Adviser to the state governor on Internal security, Joseph Har, confirmed the incident but declined further comments.

The spokesperson for the State Police Command, SP Catherine Anene, also confirmed the attack on the community, adding that the injured victims are receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

“Unigric road incident confirmed. some persons were injured and are currently receiving treatment,” the PPRO added.