Thousands Protest in Makurdi as Nigeria Suffers Cycle of Violence

Makurdi, June 16 (Alayaran.com) - In a dramatic display of public discontent, Nigerian police fired tear gas to disperse thousands of protesters taking to the streets in central Makurdi on Sunday. The protest was sparked by the recent killing of dozens of people in a nearby town.

The village of Yelewata was attacked by gunmen on Friday night, further fuelling an already volatile situation in the region. Clashes between Muslim Fulani herders and mostly Christian farmers over land and resources have been escalating, leaving many innocent lives caught in the crossfire.

Eyewitnesses described the protest in Makurdi as "chaotic" with thousands of people calling out for swift action from the state's governor to end the cycle of violence. The protesters demanded justice for their brethren killed in Yelewata and an end to the ongoing clashes between herders and farmers.

In a statement, Tersoo Kula, spokesperson for Benue State Governor, said that the protest was given "specific time" by security personnel to disperse peacefully. However, it appears that the governor's attempts at addressing the crisis have only served to further enrage the protesters, who are demanding tangible action from their leaders.

The situation in Makurdi and Yelewata serves as a worrying reminder of the fragility of peace in Nigeria's troubled regions, where ethnic and religious tensions often boil over into violence. The international community is watching with bated breath as the Nigerian government struggles to contain the violence and bring stability to communities ravaged by armed conflict.