Police officers allegedly fired tear gas shots to disperse a protest in Makurdi, the Benue State capital on sunday while angry youths had taken to the streets in a demonstration against a series of deadly attacks that have claimed over 100 lives in recent days.
The demonstration, which took place near the Wurukum roundabout, was arranged in reaction to Friday night’s concerted attacks in the Guma Local Government Area’s Yelewata and Daudu settlements.
Join our WhatsApp group
Less than 48 hours after 25 persons were killed in Makurdi LGA’s Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa communities, the attacks claimed over 100 lives.
Under the hashtag #StopBenueKillings, protesters—mostly young people wearing black and holding fresh leaves—gathered to call for immediate government action to put an end to the bloodshed.
Emenari Ifeanyi, the Benue police commissioner, spoke to the protesters at the Wurukum roundabout. He asked the demonstrators to maintain their composure and refrain from interfering with ongoing security measures.
“I was monitoring and at the checking point for more than six hours. Tell your people to calm down, we need the support of the youth and everybody in Benue State,” he said.
“This is a phase and we are passing through it already. We have already cut the head of the snake and we will get the peace that we deserve.
“Instead of being in the bush with other security agencies, we are here. If you prolong your actions here, you’re giving opportunity for the enemies to plan. We have intelligence of their movement, and we are blocking them.”
Join our WhatsApp group
His comments were followed shortly after by police shooting tear gas canisters into the throng. As smoke filled the air, protesters were seen coughing and covering their faces while running in all directions in videos that were uploaded online. A police helicopter circled above, while patrol vans were positioned at several locations throughout the region.
Watch the video here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1YNV1ovu5X/
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
