Police fired tear gas at protesters Sunday after crowds gathered to demand action against deadly attacks. Young demonstrators wearing black clothes carried fresh leaves during the rally at Wurukum roundabout. The protest targeted recent violence that killed over 100 people across Benue communities. Activists used social media hashtag StopBenueKillings to organize the demonstration. Security forces quickly moved to break up the peaceful gathering.
Commissioner Emenari Ifeanyi spoke to protesters before officers used force against them. He asked demonstrators to stay calm and support ongoing security operations against attackers. The police chief claimed authorities had already damaged criminal networks behind the violence. Ifeanyi warned that protests could give enemies time to plan more attacks. He said intelligence teams were tracking suspect movements across the region.
Officers launched tear gas canisters shortly after the commissioner finished speaking to crowds. Video footage showed people running away from smoke and covering their faces. A police helicopter flew overhead during the confrontation between authorities and activists. Patrol vehicles surrounded the roundabout area where demonstrators had assembled earlier. Heavy security presence remained after protesters left the scene.
The demonstration responded to coordinated assaults that targeted multiple communities recently. Attackers killed more than 100 residents during Friday raids on Yelewata and Daudu areas. Earlier violence had claimed 25 lives across Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa communities. Protesters demanded urgent government response to stop the escalating bloodshed. Local residents expressed frustration with official handling of security threats.
Commissioner Emenari Ifeanyi spoke to protesters before officers used force against them. He asked demonstrators to stay calm and support ongoing security operations against attackers. The police chief claimed authorities had already damaged criminal networks behind the violence. Ifeanyi warned that protests could give enemies time to plan more attacks. He said intelligence teams were tracking suspect movements across the region.
Officers launched tear gas canisters shortly after the commissioner finished speaking to crowds. Video footage showed people running away from smoke and covering their faces. A police helicopter flew overhead during the confrontation between authorities and activists. Patrol vehicles surrounded the roundabout area where demonstrators had assembled earlier. Heavy security presence remained after protesters left the scene.
The demonstration responded to coordinated assaults that targeted multiple communities recently. Attackers killed more than 100 residents during Friday raids on Yelewata and Daudu areas. Earlier violence had claimed 25 lives across Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa communities. Protesters demanded urgent government response to stop the escalating bloodshed. Local residents expressed frustration with official handling of security threats.
