Thousands of angry residents have taken to the streets of Otukpo, Benue State, to protest the escalating wave of killings and kidnappings attributed to suspected herdsmen. The demonstrators, chanting “We no go gree!”, blocked major roads, demanding urgent government intervention to address the growing insecurity.
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The protest, which has paralyzed movement in and out of Otukpo, led to heavy traffic gridlock as security agents struggled to restore order. Otukpo serves as a critical gateway connecting Enugu in the east and Lafia in the north, making the blockade particularly disruptive.
Protesters decried frequent attacks on communities in Benue South, including Agatu, Ado, Okpokwu, Otukpo, and Ogbadigbo Local Government Areas. Residents accused security agencies of failing to protect them, allowing criminals to operate with impunity.
One protester, Daniel Oche, expressed his frustration, describing the attacks as a “constant recurrence.” He also alleged that electricity is often cut off before each attack, raising suspicions of coordinated efforts to weaken community defenses.
The unrest follows days of violent attacks in the Olena community, Asa, Otukpo LGA, where several residents were killed and others abducted. Many villagers fled their homes, seeking refuge in safer areas. A survivor, who escaped with his family, lamented the absence of security forces.
“We have been crying for help, but no security agents have come to our rescue. I barely managed to escape with my life and my family,” he said.
Recent reports indicate that violent herder-related conflicts are expanding beyond the North-Central region, raising fears of a worsening national crisis. Between 2019 and 2025, Benue State has recorded over 200 documented attacks, making it the epicenter of pastoral violence in Nigeria.
Security forces were seen appealing to protesters to reopen the blocked roads, but demonstrators insisted that authorities must act decisively to protect their communities.
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