A group of women from Benue State converged on the Government House in Makurdi on Wednesday to express their frustration over continued attacks in their communities.
The protest took place during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the state, where the women appealed for urgent action to restore security and allow them to return to their farmlands.
They carried placards with messages calling on the president to put an end to banditry and restore safety.
Singing songs in their local language, the women expressed worry over the worsening situation that has kept them from their farms and placed their lives at risk.
One of their chants, translated into English, said, “We can’t go to our farms. If we go, they will kill us. Please come to our rescue.”
Benue State, recognized as the food basket of the nation, has faced increasing attacks from armed herders in recent years.
These attacks have made it difficult for farmers to access their land, and in many cases, cattle are brought into cultivated areas where they destroy crops. Residents have also faced threats while trying to defend their farms.
