George Okoh in Makurdi
Five people were killed yesterday by suspected bandits in Ortese, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
This incident led to a mass protest by women blocking the Makurdi/Lafia Road.
The women were seen carrying leaves while chanting sorrowful songs.
According to a resident, five people were killed in separate attacks in two communities in the locality.
The witness said that three persons were killed on Thursday night at Ngban and another two at Nyian.
Confirming the report, the security officer of Guma Local Government, Christopher Waku, said that five people were killed by bandits.
Waku said, “Our women have trooped out to the Makurdi/Abuja federal highway since 5a.m. today (Friday), you can hear from background how they are singing emotional songs and no vehicle coming from either Abuja or Makurdi can move now.
“The women are protesting the killing of five people yesterday (Thursday) night and this morning (Friday).”
He added, “Three people were killed at Ngban yesterday night and two people killed at Nyian this morning, the women have said that they are not going to leave the road until the governor comes and talks to them. I’m right now on the road the women are protesting waiting for the Governor, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia, to come and address them.
