Outrage in Benue: Assembly Demands Immediate Release of Protesters Arrested Over Yelewata Killings

In a bold move reflecting rising public anger, the Benue State House of Assembly has called for the immediate release of 14 protesters arrested by police on Sunday during a demonstration over the recent killings in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area.

The Assembly made the demand during its plenary session on Tuesday, condemning what it described as the unjust arrest of citizens who were simply demanding justice and protection in the wake of yet another bloody attack.

The lawmakers, visibly incensed by the mounting security crisis, also urged the state government and federal authorities to deploy immediate protection measures for vulnerable communities across the state, particularly those repeatedly targeted by armed assailants.

“These arrests are not just unacceptable—they are a distraction from the real issue: the protection of our people,” a lawmaker stated during debate on the floor.

The protest, which took place in Yelewata, was organized by local youths and community members demanding accountability and swift action from security agencies after suspected herdsmen reportedly attacked and killed several residents in the area over the weekend.

Despite the peaceful nature of the demonstration, security operatives swooped in and detained 14 individuals, a move that has sparked outrage across the state and on social media.

Tuesday’s resolution by the Assembly marks a sharp rebuke to the handling of the crisis by security agencies and signals growing political pressure on the state’s leadership to do more to curb the violence.

With dozens already displaced and fear gripping rural communities, the Yelewata killings have once again highlighted the deepening insecurity in Benue and the urgent need for a coordinated, transparent response from both local and national stakeholders.

As of press time, there has been no official statement from the police regarding the release of the detained protesters.

This is a developing story…