Following the incessant attacks on indigenes of the Gwer West local Government Area of Benue State, by suspended armed herders, residents of communities in the council blocked the Makurdi-Naka road to protest killings.
Nigeria Tribune had reported the massacre of 26 people in three communities in the council area by suspected herdsmen.
Chairman of the local government, Henry Agba stated that the attack that commenced on Saturday lasted till Monday leading to the death of 26 people including six personnel of Benue State Community Volunteer Guards and Livestock Guards.
Irked by the killings residents trooped out Tuesday to protest and accused the state government of not implementing the anti-open grazing law.
The protesters carried several placards with different inscriptions, calling on the Federal and State Governments to protect the people against armed herders.
One of the protesters, a former local government chairman of Gwer West, Francis Ayagah called on the federal government to ensure the safety of his people.
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He said that the renewed insecurity in the area was as a result of the failure of Governor Hyacinth Alia administration to enforce the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of Benue State, thereby allowing herders to move freely with their cows and arms, which are used to attack the people.
Another protester, Mr Titus Numzua who hails from Seghev/yegev council ward where all three attacks occurred disclosed that the influx of herdsmen in the area had complicated the security situation of many communities in Gwer West.
He also called on the federal government to ensure the safety of the people, particularly Governor Alia to provide logistic support to security agencies, the Benue State Livestock Guards and the Community Volunteer Guards to complement the conventional security agents to ensure peace returns to Gwer West.
The Senator representing Benue North West Senatorial District, Dr. Titus Zam, while sympathizing with the victims condemned the coordinated attacks on some of his constituents which led to the death of many people, including women, children and the elderly.
In a statement signed by his Personal Assistant on Media, Terungwa Nunde the senator prayed to God to continue to protect his people and called on Governor Alia to come to the aide of his people.
Also, the member representing Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency, Arc. Dr. Asema Achado, has condemned the gruesome murder of his constituents and called on the Benue State Government to enforce the law prohibiting open grazing and also ensure the perpetrators of the dastardly act are brought to book.
Earlier, in a condolence message by the Gyaruwa Forum, GAF, signed by its Secretary, Mbapuun Fabian, the attack at Tser Kperyisa, claimed several lives.
GAF also disclosed that two of the victims were picked alive but later died on arriving at the hospital in Naka, Gwer West LGA.
Recall that the deputy governor of the state, Sam Ode on March 6, 2024 announced the full enforcement of the anti-open grazing law with the expiration of 14 days ultimatum given to armed herders and those grazing openly in the state to vacate.
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