Youths in Benue State erupted in violence on Wednesday, setting fire to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Ukum County, about 121 miles from Makurdi, the state capital.
The unrest reportedly stemmed from increasing attacks by armed Fulani Muslim extremists in the state. The immediate cause of the protest was the killing of at least 11 people in a fresh attack on the Ayati community village on Tuesday night. The attackers, believed to be herdsmen, invaded the village, shooting and burning homes, leaving many dead and injured.
In response, residents, particularly youths, took to the streets, blocking major roads and expressing their anger through demonstrations. Local media reported that the protesters breached the INEC compound and set fire to the building, causing significant damage.
INEC spokesperson Sam Olumekun described the extent of the destruction: “Office furniture and other movable and immovable materials, including 10 electric generators, 300 ballot boxes, and 270 voting cubicles, were destroyed in the attack.”
The protesters also marched to the Council secretariat, where they destroyed properties, breaking doors and windows with stones and sticks. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the protest.
In the wake of the unrest, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has appealed for calm and urged residents to follow legal channels to address their grievances. A 24-hour state-wide curfew has been imposed.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
