A wave of frustration swept through the streets of Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, on Friday as women from the Agan community took a bold stand against the escalating insecurity in their area. The determined group, armed with leaves and fueled by frustration, blocked the federal highway near the Agan toll gate, their voices echoing through the streets as they chanted songs that expressed their deep-seated concerns.
At the heart of the protest was a simple yet powerful message: the community is tired of living in fear and is demanding swift action from the government to address the rising insecurity. Torkwase, a resident of the area, spoke to the media, confirming that the protest was ongoing and, for the time being, peaceful. “The protest is currently ongoing at Agan ward, close to the toll gate,” she explained in a telephone interview. “It is just about the insecurity going on around the area. We are tired and need the government to act fast.”
The presence of security operatives at the scene has helped maintain a level of calm, with the protest remaining peaceful. However, the underlying issues that sparked this demonstration are far from resolved. The Agan community, like many others in the state, has been plagued by attacks and violence, leaving residents on edge and seeking tangible solutions to ensure their safety.
This protest is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by communities in Benue State and the urgency with which the government needs to address these issues. The women of Agan, through their courageous act, have brought attention to the plight of their community, emphasizing the need for effective measures to combat insecurity and restore a sense of peace and stability to the area. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the call for action will only grow louder until meaningful change is achieved.
