Tension flared in Benue State on Sunday as police fired teargas to disperse protesters demanding justice over the recent massacre of more than 200 residents in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area.
Dressed in black and carrying placards, the demonstrators poured into the streets, expressing outrage over the killings allegedly carried out by suspected armed herdsmen. Their chants echoed calls for justice and immediate intervention from both state and federal authorities.
What began as a peaceful protest quickly descended into chaos when security operatives arrived and launched teargas canisters to disperse the crowd.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of confusion and panic, with protesters fleeing in different directions. Several people were reportedly injured in the stampede that followed.
The protest was one of several emerging responses to the wave of deadly violence that has gripped communities across Guma LGA in recent days.
