Grief and tear gas: Nigeria’s Benue State erupts after deadly village massacre

A peaceful protest in Nigeria’s Benue State turned chaotic on Sunday (15 June) as police fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators in the city of Makurdi who demanded justice after a massacre in Yelewata village left more than 100 people dead.

Gunmen attacked the farming community late Friday (13 June),burning homes and killing civilians,including women and children. Amnesty International described the massacre as “horrifying,” calling it further evidence that government security measures in Benue “are not working.” In response,thousands gathered in Makurdi under the #StopBenueKillings banner,decrying the state’s failure to protect its citizens. Many protesters,dressed in black and carrying leaves — a local symbol of mourning — called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to act.

Despite initial calls for calm by Benue’s police commissioner,officers launched tear gas into the crowd. Videos circulating online showed protesters fleeing in panic as smoke filled the air,while a police helicopter hovered above. “We are (merely) discharging our rights to peacefully protest the unabated killings of our people,and now the police are shooting tear gas at us,” said protester Joseph Hir. Residents and rights groups have long warned of worsening violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt,where deadly clashes between farmers and herders over land and water have escalated,exacerbated by ethnic and religious divisions. As of Sunday night,no federal statement had been issued. Locals fear more attacks are imminent,with many still missing.