Benue Assembly Demands Release of Protesters Arrested Over Yelewata Killings: What Really Happened?
In a bold and emotional response to the rising tide of violence in rural Benue communities, the Benue State House of Assembly has demanded the immediate release of 14 people arrested by the police during a protest against the gruesome killings in Yelewata, a community located in Guma Local Government Area. The Assembly made the resolution during a passionate and heated plenary session held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
The lawmakers, visibly shaken and clearly frustrated, condemned what they described as the growing spate of insecurity and lack of meaningful government action to address repeated attacks on innocent residents in vulnerable areas of the state.
Protest Sparked by Violence in Yelewata
The protest that led to the arrests occurred on Sunday, June 15, at the Wurukum Food Basket Roundabout in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. The protest was organized by residents, civil society groups, and concerned citizens, all demanding justice for the lives lost in the latest round of killings in Yelewata, allegedly carried out by suspected herdsmen.
Witnesses said the protest began peacefully, as demonstrators gathered to voice their anger over the frequent bloodshed in their communities and what they described as a failure of government and security agencies to protect them.
The Presence of VeryDarkMan – Martin Otse
Among the demonstrators was Martin Otse, a popular social media influencer and activist better known as VeryDarkMan. Known for his bold criticisms of government inefficiency and advocacy for human rights, VeryDarkMan lent his voice to the protest, helping amplify calls for government accountability and justice for victims of violence.
His presence added national attention to the protest, and his followers on social media eagerly watched as he live-streamed parts of the demonstration.
Deputy Governor’s Attempt to Intervene
As the crowd swelled and tension mounted, the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Sam Ode, appeared at the scene in a bid to de-escalate the situation. However, instead of calming the protesters, his presence seemed to inflame tempers further.
According to several eyewitnesses, the crowd refused to listen to the Deputy Governor, demanding instead that the Governor himself, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, show up in person. They argued that the gravity of the killings required the direct attention and presence of the state’s chief executive, not a delegation.
One protester was heard shouting, “We are tired of empty promises. Let Governor Alia come and talk to us himself. Enough is enough!”
Protest Turns Chaotic — Arrests and Tear Gas
Things took a dark turn shortly after the Deputy Governor's attempt to calm the crowd failed. Armed police and military personnel moved in to forcibly disperse the protesters. Eyewitness reports confirmed that tear gas was fired, causing panic and stampedes. In the chaos, 14 individuals were arrested by operatives of the Benue State Police Command.
Police later claimed the arrested individuals had “hijacked the protest” and were trying to “incite civil unrest.” The authorities labeled the protest as no longer peaceful and accused some demonstrators of inciting violence and public disorder.
Assembly Condemns Arrests, Demands Their Release
But the Benue State House of Assembly took a different position. During their sitting on June 17, lawmakers rejected the narrative that the protest was unlawful. Instead, they argued that the demonstration was a legitimate expression of the people's frustration, driven by years of deadly attacks and neglect.
A key point raised by several legislators was the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and protest, which they said must be upheld at all times, even in times of heightened security tension.
The House passed a resolution demanding the immediate release of the 14 arrested protesters, stating that punishing citizens for raising their voices against injustice would only deepen public resentment and alienation.
Calls for Better Security in Rural Areas
Beyond the issue of the protest, the Assembly also turned its attention to the root cause of the public anger: the continuous killings in rural communities like Yelewata. Several lawmakers passionately urged security agencies to scale up operations in high-risk LGAs, particularly those near border regions where attacks are frequent.
“This Assembly will not remain silent while our people are being slaughtered in their own homes,” one legislator declared. “We must protect our citizens. That is the reason we are here.”
Another lawmaker said, “The people of Yelewata are not just statistics; they are fathers, mothers, and children who deserve to live in peace.”
The House emphasized that ensuring security of lives and property remains a constitutional duty of the government, and it is one that should not be taken lightly. The legislators called on the Governor and all relevant federal agencies to act with urgency to prevent further tragedies.
Worsening Insecurity in Benue: A Pattern?
This latest incident adds to the growing list of violent attacks in Benue State, many of which are blamed on suspected herdsmen militias. From Guma to Logo, Makurdi, and Ukum, rural communities have borne the brunt of these assaults, often with little or no immediate response from security forces.
Residents continue to accuse government officials of doing more talking than acting, especially when it comes to proactive intelligence gathering and visible security presence in vulnerable areas.
Human rights organizations have also raised concerns about the pattern of arrests during protests, stating that such actions could suppress civil society and undermine democratic rights.
Conclusion: A Cry for Justice in Benue
The events that unfolded between June 15 and 17 represent more than just another political debate or community unrest. They symbolize a deep and growing distrust between the governed and the government, especially when lives are lost and those in power appear disconnected from the pain of the people.
The Benue State House of Assembly has taken a commendable step by standing with the people of Yelewata and demanding the release of the arrested protesters. However, words must now translate into concrete actions — security must be improved, justice must be pursued, and the voices of the grieving must be heard, not silenced.
As the people of Benue continue to mourn their dead, they wait — with hope and fear — to see whether their leaders will finally rise to the occasion or allow the cycle of violence and silence to continue unchecked.
