The Benue State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew in Ukum Local Government Area following escalating violence and protests.
The curfew begins at 3pm on Wednesday and will last until 3pm on Thursday. Subsequently, a dusk-to-dawn curfew from 6pm to 6am will be enforced in the days ahead.
This drastic measure comes in response to protests by local youths who blocked the Ayati-Sai road and stormed the council secretariat in Zaki Biam, expressing outrage over the government’s perceived failure to address the incessant killings in the area.
The unrest was sparked by the killing of 11 people on Tuesday night by local bandits.
A resident of Ayati village, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, described the situation as dire: “There is hardly a day we don’t experience killings and kidnappings in this council, unfortunately, the state government has not shown any seriousness in tackling these daily killings.”
The protests turned violent as the youths, carrying the recovered corpses of the recent victims, smashed windows and caused destruction at the council secretariat to vent their frustration.
When reached for comment, the Chairman of Ukum LGA, Victor Iorzaa, declined to confirm the incident, stating he was not in a position to speak on the matter.
The curfew is part of the government’s efforts to restore order and prevent further violence in the troubled area.