Thousands of angry residents took to the streets on Tuesday in protest against the rising cases of herdsmen killings and kidnappings in Benue State. The demonstrators, chanting “We no go gree!”, blocked major roads, demanding urgent action from the government and security agencies to address the worsening insecurity in the region.
The protest comes in the wake of sustained attacks on Olena community in Asa, Otukpo Local Government Area, which has been under siege for the past four days. Reports indicate that several people have been killed, while many others have been abducted.
A protester, Daniel Oche, described the attacks as a “constant recurrence,” lamenting the lack of security intervention. He made a shocking revelation, alleging that electricity is always cut off in the community before each attack, further deepening fears of a coordinated assault on villagers.
Earlier, terrified residents of Olena were forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in nearby towns. A resident, who managed to escape with his family, confirmed that the community was abandoned late Monday night as it became apparent that no help was forthcoming.
“I am currently in Upu. I escaped with my family this night. At the moment, we have all vacated our community. Olena has been under attack for days now,” he told reporters.
According to him, the assailants operated unchallenged, spreading fear and destruction. “They have killed and kidnapped several people. 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 tonight. Olena is under serious attack as we speak,” he added.
The escalating attacks in Benue State come amid growing concerns that criminal herders are shifting their focus to the southern part of Nigeria. A recent intelligence report by SBM Intelligence, titled “A National Emergency: The Escalating Crisis of Pastoral Violence in Nigeria,” painted a grim picture of relentless expansion in pastoral violence.
The report, obtained by Hobnob News, states that between 2019 and 2025, Benue State recorded over 200 documented attacks, making it the epicenter of the crisis. Neighboring Plateau State closely followed with 150 incidents. The shared border between these states has turned into a deadly conflict zone, with major massacres recorded, including the May 2023 killings in Mangu and the December 2023 Christmas Eve massacre in Bokkos.
With protests intensifying, demonstrators are calling for immediate intervention from both state and federal governments to end the violence. Many are demanding increased security presence in vulnerable areas, as well as decisive action to curb the activities of criminal elements terrorizing communities.
Despite repeated appeals, residents say security forces have failed to respond effectively, leaving rural areas exposed to continuous attacks. As tensions rise, the demand for urgent and lasting solutions grows louder.
The Benue State Government is yet to issue an official response to the protests. However, protesters vow to continue demonstrating until their cries for justice and security are heard.
