Benue Youths Disrupt APC Primary Protest Over Killings, Demand End to Insecurity
Benue Youths Disrupt APC Primary Protest Over Killings, Demand End to Insecurity
Tension erupted in Benue State after angry youths reportedly disrupted an All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election exercise while protesting the continued killings and insecurity affecting communities across the state.
The protesters, carrying a symbolic coffin during the demonstration, reportedly stormed the venue of the APC primary to express frustration over the worsening security situation and repeated attacks that have claimed several lives in different parts of Benue State.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that the youths insisted that political activities and election processes should not continue while many residents remain displaced and communities continue to suffer from violent attacks.
The protesters were said to have chanted slogans demanding urgent government intervention, improved security measures, and justice for victims of the killings affecting rural communities in the state.
According to reports, the protest temporarily disrupted activities at the primary venue as security personnel and party officials moved to calm tensions and prevent the situation from escalating further.
The symbolic coffin displayed during the protest reportedly represented the pain, loss, and anger felt by many residents over the persistent violence and insecurity troubling parts of Benue State.
Benue has remained one of the states heavily affected by recurring attacks linked to armed violence, communal clashes, and farmer-herder conflicts, resulting in deaths, displacement, and destruction of properties over the years.
Political observers noted that the protest reflects growing frustration among youths and residents who believe political leaders should focus more attention on security challenges and humanitarian concerns rather than electoral contests.
The incident has also sparked wider conversations regarding the impact of insecurity on democratic activities and governance in affected communities.
Stakeholders and civil society groups have repeatedly called on both federal and state authorities to intensify efforts toward restoring peace, strengthening local security architecture, and supporting displaced victims across Benue communities.
As political activities ahead of the 2027 elections continue nationwide, analysts believe insecurity may remain one of the major issues shaping political debates and voter decisions across several states.
