Makurdi Erupts in Protest Over Cows Escorted by Armed Security, Allegedly Linked to Federal Lawmaker
Kindly share this story
Makurdi Erupts in Protest Over Cows Escorted by Armed Security, Allegedly Linked to Federal Lawmaker
Tension flared in Makurdi, Benue State on Monday, June 16, 2025, as angry youths staged a protest at the Nyôrgyungu settlement following the sighting of cows escorted by armed security personnel. The livestock, reportedly belonging to Hon. Dickson Tarkighir, Member of the House of Representatives for Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency, raised alarm among locals still reeling from recent deadly attacks by suspected herdsmen.
Witnesses said the cows were first seen on Sunday being herded through Welfare Quarters under heavy escort, causing panic among residents. The fear was further fueled by circulating WhatsApp messages warning of imminent attacks.
In response, the Special Adviser on Security and Internal Affairs deployed additional security operatives to restore calm and build public confidence. The cattle were later traced to a property in Nyor Igyungu, where they were confined overnight.
However, the situation escalated on Monday as scores of irate youths gathered at Nyorhyungu in protest, chanting slogans and demanding the immediate removal of the cows and their armed escorts. When Hon. Tarkighir arrived at the scene to address the crowd, he was met with stiff opposition. Protesters reportedly insisted that both his cows and “Fulani men” must vacate the area.
Read also: Angry Youths, VeryDarkMan Lead Protest Over Yelwata Massacre
The protest comes in the wake of renewed violence in the region. Over 200 people have reportedly been killed in Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area—one of the constituencies Hon. Tarkighir represents—during recent attacks by suspected herdsmen. The killings have triggered widespread anger and protests across the state.
Authorities including the Benue State Police Command and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
