By Prosper Mene
On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, a group of women in Benue State took to the streets, storming the Government House in Makurdi to protest the relentless killings by suspected herders and bandits plaguing their communities. The demonstrators, carrying placards with poignant messages, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently address the escalating insecurity that has left residents, particularly farmers, living in fear.
“We can’t farm without getting killed,” one of the placards read, envisioning the dire situation faced by rural communities in Benue, where agricultural livelihoods are under constant threat. The women’s protest sheds light on the devastating impact of banditry, which has disrupted farming activities, displaced families, and claimed numerous lives. Other placards bore inscriptions pleading for an end to the violence and for inclusive engagement to restore peace in the state.
The demonstration stems from a series of violent attacks by armed groups, which have long plagued Benue, a state known as Nigeria’s food basket. The protesters, organized under various women’s groups, expressed frustration over the government’s perceived inaction and demanded immediate intervention to curb the bloodshed. Their call for action was directed not only at President Tinubu but also at state authorities, urging a collaborative effort to ensure safety and security.
“We are tired of burying our loved ones,” one protester told reporters, her voice heavy with emotion. “Our farms are no longer safe. We want to live and work in peace.” The women also appealed for policies to address the root causes of the violence, including disputes over land and resources, which have fueled tensions between farmers and herders.
The protest has drawn attention to the wider issue of insecurity in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where Benue remains a flashpoint. Local and international organizations, including women’s advocacy groups, have echoed the protesters’ demands, calling for sustainable solutions to the crisis.
The protest addresses the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms and dialogue to address the ongoing violence in Benue State, ensuring that residents can live and work without fear.
