Benue Youths Take to the Streets: “Enough is Enough” Over Killings in the State

Sometimes, silence is louder than any scream. Other times, the only way to be heard is to block the roads and force the nation to listen.

That’s what hundreds of Benue youths did when they staged a powerful protest, blocking the Abuja-Makurdi highway in response to the relentless killings ravaging their communities.

The message? “Enough is enough.”

💥 Why They Took to the Streets

This isn’t just another protest. It’s a desperate plea for action—for security, for justice, for an end to the bloodshed.

Just 24 hours before the demonstration, suspected armed herdsmen attacked Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area, leaving over 200 people dead.

For years, Benue has been at the center of violent clashes, mass killings, and displacement, yet the response has always felt like too little, too late.

And the youths? They’re done waiting.

🚧 Roads Blocked, Tension Rising

Dressed in black attire and waving palm fronds, protesters barricaded the Abuja-Makurdi highway, bringing traffic to a halt.

The gridlock stretched for miles, trapping commuters and forcing everyone—from everyday Nigerians to government officials—to acknowledge their pain.

But instead of dialogue, security forces fired teargas to disperse the crowd. Panic broke out, protesters fled, and the question remains:

Is anyone listening?

🏛️ Government Response & Public Reaction

The Benue State Government previously warned against unlawful gatherings, but that didn’t stop the youths.

Officials have promised “investigations” and “assessments,” but many in Benue argue that words don’t save lives—action does.

The protest has reignited nationwide debate:

• Should authorities negotiate with affected communities to find lasting solutions?
• Are political leaders doing enough, or are they turning a blind eye?
• How many more lives must be lost before real change happens?

🧠 Final Thoughts: When the Streets Speak, Who Listens?

This protest isn’t just about one attack. It’s about years of suffering, fear, and abandonment. It’s about a generation watching its future vanish under the weight of violence.

And if blocking highways is the only way to make Nigeria listen—then perhaps the real problem isn’t the protest. It’s why they had to protest in the first place.

💬 Do you believe protests like this will spark real action, or will the cycle continue? Drop your thoughts below.