By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Tension erupted on Monday morning in the Nyorhyungu area of Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, Nigeria, as local youths forcefully expelled a herd of cattle allegedly owned by federal lawmaker Dickson Tarkighir, who represents the Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency.
The cattle had arrived in the area on Sunday evening, accompanied by six Fulani herders and a group of armed escorts. Their arrival raised alarm among residents, many of whom were unsettled by the presence of armed men moving with livestock through their neighborhood.
Residents described a night of fear and uncertainty. One eyewitness said, “We didn’t sleep. Armed men were walking with cows through our streets. It felt threatening and confusing.”
By morning, the community reacted with protests. Dozens of youths gathered, calling for the immediate removal of the cattle and their minders. Protesters said the situation posed a serious security concern, particularly in the context of ongoing violent attacks on farming communities in the region.
Tarkighir reportedly visited the scene in an attempt to address the protesters and clarify the circumstances. However, his explanation was not accepted, and the demonstrators insisted that both the animals and their herders leave immediately.
The confrontation peaked when the crowd began chasing the cattle out of the area, leading the Fulani herders to flee with the livestock under growing pressure from the protesters. Security personnel on the scene were unable to prevent the dispersal.
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