Movement along a major highway in Benue State was brought to a standstill on Wednesday following a large-scale protest by hundreds of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at Yelewata. The demonstrators, expressing frustration over years of displacement, blocked the busy route and repeatedly chanted, “We want to go back home!”
The protest, which began early in the morning, led to massive traffic congestion, leaving travelers and motorists stranded for hours. The IDPs, displaced due to violent invasions in their communities, said they could no longer endure life in camps and accused armed Fulani herdsmen of continuous attacks that have made it impossible for them to return home.
Human rights activist, Ukan Kurugh, shared updates about the protest on his Facebook page, urging people to delay travel plans to or from Benue. He wrote, “Internally Displaced Persons have taken over the highway at Yelewata, blocking both directions since morning. They are demanding a return to their ancestral homes.”
Kurugh also highlighted that the displaced persons were angry over the state of insecurity and lack of proper attention from the authorities. “Many passengers are stuck on the road, as the protesters express deep frustration with the years of neglect and the constant threat from armed groups,” he stated.
The protest saw participation mainly from young men and leaders from various IDP camps. They called for immediate action from the state and federal governments to guarantee their safety and resettlement. They also demanded that the authorities take urgent steps to reclaim their communities from the hands of armed invaders.
By mid-afternoon, Kurugh provided an update, confirming that government officials had arrived at the scene and managed to convince the protesters to vacate the road. Traffic was eventually restored.
He wrote, “Travelers on the Abuja-Makurdi route can now proceed. The road has been reopened after intervention from a high-powered government delegation.”
According to Kurugh, the team was led by the Benue State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lord Phydel Mnyim, in collaboration with the State Commissioner of Police. Their dialogue with the IDPs reportedly led to a peaceful resolution and the lifting of the blockade.
“We commend the timely intervention by the government and the patience shown by all those affected. Order has been restored,” Kurugh added.
Benue, known as Nigeria’s agricultural hub, has for years been at the center of deadly clashes between farming communities and suspected armed herders. These conflicts have resulted in massive internal displacement, particularly in Guma, Gwer West, and Logo Local Government Areas.
One of the most recent incidents occurred in June 2025, when suspected herders attacked Yelewata, leading to the brutal killing of hundreds of residents.
Many displaced persons have been confined to temporary camps for over five years, grappling with poor living conditions, lack of education, inadequate healthcare, and ongoing threats to their safety.
Although various state administrations have repeatedly appealed to the Federal Government for support in relocating and resettling the affected populations, little progress has been recorded. Meanwhile, renewed violence in rural areas continues to stall any meaningful return efforts.
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