Thousands of youths in Benue State, Nigeria, have taken to the streets to protest the continuous attacks and killings by armed herders. The protesters blocked major roads, including the Wurukum Roadabout in Makurdi, and demanded that the Federal Government protect its citizens. The protests followed a recent attack in Yeluwata, Guma Local Government Area, where over 200 people were killed.

*Key Developments:*

- *President's Response*: President Bola Tinubu has ordered security chiefs to fish out the perpetrators of the bloodletting in Benue State, describing the killings as inhuman and anti-progress.

- *IGP Takes Over Security*: The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has taken over the security of the state, deploying special forces to end the attacks and killings.

- *Protesters' Demands*: The protesters urged security agencies to redouble their efforts to ensure displaced people return to their ancestral homes and continue with their normal lives.

- *Government Condolences*: Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has condemned the latest attack, calling for dialogue and reconciliation to bring peace to the state.

*Reactions from Prominent Figures:*

- *Peter Obi*: The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate blamed the killing on the failure of government, describing it as a stain on Nigeria's collective conscience.

- *Atiku Abubakar*: The former Vice President urged all Nigerians to unite in condemning the atrocity and holding leaders accountable for sustainable solutions to the violent tragedies claiming lives across the country.

- *HURIWA*: The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria warned of a looming ethnic war over herdsmen killings and called for the sack of security chiefs for failing to carry out their duty.

- *Pope Leo XIV*: The Catholic Pontiff led prayers for victims of the massacre in Benue State, calling for security, justice, and peace in Nigeria ¹.