Benue residents protest against ‘incessant killings, abductions by herdsmen’

Residents of Otukpo in Benue south district have staged a protest against the incessant cases of kidnappings and killings by suspected herdsmen.

The Tuesday demonstration saw protesters, mostly youths, occupy the Otukpo-Enugu federal highway, calling on the government to address the growing insecurity in the state.

There has been a surge in cases of killings and kidnappings allegedly carried out by suspected herdsmen in several LGAs in Benue state.

When contacted, Catherine Anene, the police spokesperson in the state, told TheCable that the protest was brought under control by security operatives.

“The protest is under control at the moment; we would let you know as soon as there is further information,” Anene said.

On March 10, 13 people, including women and children, were reportedly killed in an attack by suspected herdsmen on Katsina Ala LGA of the state.

The gunmen were said to have attacked several communities, including Utange council, Kpav, Dikpo, and the Imande Gberihwa area of the state.