Residents of Agan in the North Bank area of Makurdi, Benue State, took to the streets in protest on Friday, decrying what they described as the alarming rate of arbitrary arrests of civilians by security operatives in the area.
The protesters, comprising mainly youths and community members, accused security agencies of targeting innocent residents under the guise of maintaining peace while turning a blind eye to armed Fulani herdsmen who have been repeatedly linked to attacks in the region.
According to eyewitnesses, over 50 individuals were arrested in a single day, with similar operations reportedly taking place daily. “Every day, they come and pick our people, mostly able-bodied young men, while the real threats, the armed Fulani herders, are left unchecked,” a protester said.
The protesters said the situation has instilled fear among locals, who now see both herders and security agencies as threats to their safety. “We’re afraid of the Fulani herdsmen, and now we’re afraid of the soldiers and police too. Who is protecting us?” another protester lamented.
The residents are calling on the Benue State Government and relevant security authorities to intervene, end the indiscriminate arrests and focus on tackling the root causes of insecurity in the area.