Youths Block Road As Herders Attack Benue Community

Some youths of Asta community, a suburb of Makurdi early hours of Monday blocked the road that leads to Joseph Sawuan University of Agriculture, Makurdi, in Benue, to protest an attack by suspected herders.

The blockage of the road prevented the movement of particularly motorists.

A resident of the area who spoke to our correspondent said that the blockage was to vent their anger on the attack by suspected herdsmen on the community, which led to various degrees of injury sustained by people in the community.

The resident, who identified himself as Dave, said that the suspected herders invaded the community at about 1:00 am on Monday.

He said, “Early hours of today, at about 1,00am, some people suspected to be herders came to this community (Asta) and attacked people with machetes, knives, and dangerous weapons.

“About six people were taken to the hospital; some security operatives came to repel the attackers.

“Because of what happened, some youths came out this morning to block the road and  vowed not to leave the road until the governor , Rev Fr Hycinth Alia comes to address them.

As of the time of filing this report, the youths have vacated the road.

The Special Adviser to the state governor on Internal security, Joseph Har, confirmed the incident but declined further comments.

Also, the state Command’s Spokesperson, Catherine Anene, confirmed the attack on the community and stated that the injured victims are receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

“Unigric road incident confirmed. some persons were injured and are currently receiving treatment,” the PPRO said in a terse statement.

Source: Punch