Leadnaija
Tension erupted on Saturday afternoon in Afia Community, Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State when a group of protesting youths, women, and children barricaded the convoy of Governor Hyacinth Alia during his visit to victims of recent armed herdsmen attacks.
The incident occurred around 3:30 PM, while the governor, accompanied by Benue State Commissioner of Police, CP Steve Hassan Yabanet, and other top security officials, was conducting a security assessment tour and distributing relief materials to the affected residents of the community.
According to police sources, the protesters, believed to have been sponsored by a local politician, blocked the highway near the proposed venue for a town hall meeting. The protesters reportedly used themselves as human shields, chanting “we no gree” in a show of defiance to prevent the governor’s entry into the community.
The situation was eventually brought under control after security forces deployed minimal force to disperse the crowd and clear the road, ensuring the convoy could proceed with its mission.
Though no injuries or fatalities were reported, the windscreen of the official vehicle of the Benue State Commissioner of Police was damaged during the protest.
Earlier in the day, the convoy had visited victims of similar attacks in Logo Local Government Area before proceeding to Ukum, where the protest unfolded.
Police authorities have stated that an investigation is underway to identify the individuals who instigated the protest. However, calm has since been restored to the area.
Leadnaija will continue to follow developments and provide updates as new information emerges.
