Benue community block expressway, protests unchecked killings by suspected herdsmen

Some villagers from Achakpa community in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State on Saturday blocked the Makurdi–Abuja highway to protest the killing of their loved ones by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen.

The villagers caused gridlock in the ever-busy road following a recent attack in the community.

Residents said that early on Saturday, a man identified as Tor Felafa, his son, and one Francis Kulegwa, a senior choir master of Daudu Mission in the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi were killed by herders on the outskirts of Achakpa community along the North Bank–Lafia road.

The suspected armed herdsmen also abducted several others, while many narrowly escaped, with some persons still missing.

Daily Post reports that the victims were ambushed while working on their farms behind the village, a tactic the assailants allegedly used after closely monitoring farming activities in the area.

The protesters, who blocked the Garba–Atson–Abagena IDP camp end of the highway, displayed placards and tree branches, chanting solidarity songs and vowing not to vacate the road until justice is served.

The Benue State Government and the Benue State Police Command have not reacted to the protest.