4th April, 2016
Okafor Ofiebor
Angry youths protesting the invasion of Fulani herdsmen today blocked the busy Wanune-Gboko road in Tarka Local Government area of Benue State, a suburb of Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
The stand off that started in the early hours of today has left motorists stranded, thirsty and hungry as the protesting youths are trying to draw the attention of authorities.
An eyewitness who spoke to our correspondent and has been monitoring the stand off said as at 12:45 pm, appeals by people of the state to the angry youths to take off their barricades fell on deaf ears, with the youths insisting that they will only leave the scene after they are addressed by the Governor Samuel Ortom.
“The youths blocked Wannune, Tarka local government area of Benue state protesting the alleged killings by Fulani herdsmen. Motorists are stranded and the police here are helpless,” the eyewitness said.
According the eyewitness who posted on his Facebook page the Secretary to the state government, Tagema Takema had addressed the angry youths but they have refused to shift ground unless the governor comes in person.
The sacking of Agatu community in Benue State a few weeks ago by the Fulani herdsmen has created acrimonious relationship between herdsmen communities in the state.