Tension flared in Benue State on Saturday as villagers blocked the busy Makurdi–Lafia highway to protest the killing of five farmers in separate attacks on the outskirts of Makurdi, near the Guma Local Government Area.
The protesters placed the bodies of three victims on the road, demanding immediate government intervention to end the recurring violence. The blockade left motorists stranded for hours.
According to residents, the first incident occurred Friday around Tse Adaa village in Guma, where two farmers were killed. The following morning, three more victims were hacked to death in Abagena and Atsom communities of Makurdi LGA.
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“We moved the corpses to the road to draw attention. We want government action to stop these killings,” said Terkaa Asongo, a resident.
One traveller, Melody Ede, who was on her way to Abuja, told reporters that the gridlock was severe. “The villagers insisted they wouldn’t move until the governor addressed them. But security agents have now arrived and are working to restore free passage,” she said.
Police spokesperson Udeme Edet confirmed the killing of two farmers in Guma but did not immediately comment on the other reported deaths.
