Men of the Nigeria Police on Sunday dispersed a crowd of grieving protesters with teargas during a demonstration against the killing of over 200 residents in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The protesters, dressed in black and holding placards, had taken to the streets to demand justice and swift intervention from both state and federal governments following one of the deadliest attacks in recent memory, allegedly carried out by suspected armed herdsmen.
Chanting in anguish, the demonstrators called for an end to what they described as “unrelenting and systematic violence” in the region.
However, what began as a peaceful protest soon turned chaotic as police officers fired multiple teargas canisters into the crowd.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic and confusion, with many protesters fleeing in different directions. Several people were said to have sustained injuries in the stampede that followed the unexpected police action.
As of press time, authorities have yet to issue a statement explaining the rationale behind the use of force on unarmed civilians mourning the deaths of their loved ones.
What you should know
The use of teargas on peaceful protesters adds to rising tensions in Benue State, which is already grappling with insecurity. The Yelewata massacre has drawn national outrage, yet victims’ families are now facing further trauma amid a lack of accountability and aggressive crowd control measures by security forces.
