Tension flared in the Nyorhyungu area of Makurdi, Benue State capital, on Monday morning as irate youths forcefully drove out a herd of cattle reportedly belonging to Dickson Tarkighir, a member of the House of Representatives representing Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency.
The chaos followed the arrival of the cows on Sunday evening, accompanied by six Fulani herders and a group of heavily armed escorts, sparking widespread anxiety among residents who “couldn’t sleep” due to panic.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as “an invasion,” with residents shocked to see armed escorts with cows parading through their community without explanation.
By dawn, the community had erupted in protest, with scores of youths demanding the immediate removal of the cattle and their handlers, citing security risks amid recent deadly attacks on farming communities in Benue State.
Tarkighir attempted to calm tensions, but protesters rejected his intervention, insisting that both the cows and Fulani herders must leave the area without delay, chanting and waving placards.
The confrontation escalated as youths chased the herd out of the neighborhood, forcing the Fulani herders to flee.