Women Protest Rising Insecurity in Benue State

Hundreds of women from the Agan community in Makurdi local government area of Benue State took to the streets in protest against rising insecurity, demanding the release of their husbands and sons who have been arrested by security agencies. The protest caused a disruption in traffic on the federal highway at the Agan toll gate. The women, carrying green leaves and chanting solidarity songs, are frustrated with the "unjust harassment" of their loved ones and the lack of action by security agencies to protect their communities from armed herdsmen. The district head of Agan, Chief Zaki Agbaka, confirmed that four farmers were killed by armed herders in separate attacks without any arrests.

Key Takeaways:

• The protest was sparked by the "unjust harassment" of husbands and sons by security agencies, who have been arresting them without cause, while failing to protect the community from armed herdsmen.
• Chief Zaki Agbaka, the district head of Agan, confirmed that four farmers were killed by armed herders in separate attacks, without any arrests being made.
• The security agencies have been going after children for reasons they don't know every night, which has added to the fear and insecurity in the community.
• The protest leader, Lydia, stated that over 40 innocent young boys were arrested in the North Bank area in a single day.
• The protesters are demanding the immediate release of their children and husbands, and urging the government and security authorities to stop targeting civilians and focus on protecting residents from herders.

Statistics:

• 4 farmers were killed by armed herders in separate attacks, according to Chief Zaki Agbaka.
• Over 40 innocent young boys were arrested in the North Bank area in a single day, according to Lydia.

Sources:

• Our correspondent, uncredited.
• Chief Zaki Agbaka, District Head, Agan.
• Lydia, Protest Leader.