Movement in and out of Benue State was brought to a standstill on midweek as hundreds of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) staged a protest at Yelewata, blocking a major highway and chanting, “We want to go back home!”
The protest, which began in the early hours of the day, caused heavy gridlock and left many commuters and motorists stranded for hours.
The IDPs, who have been living in displacement camps for years following violent attacks in their communities, said they are frustrated by the prolonged lack of resettlement and continued insecurity, especially alleged attacks by armed Fulani herders.
“If you’re planning to travel into or out of Benue State, please put your journey on hold for now,” wrote Ukan Kurugh, a human rights activist in the state, on his official Facebook page.
“At Yelewata, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have taken to the major highway, blocking both lanes for several hours, chanting in unison: ‘We want to go back home!’”
Kurugh added, “The protest has left many motorists and passengers stranded, as the displaced people express their frustration over prolonged displacement and continued attacks from terrorist Fulani herdsmen.”
The demonstrators, mostly men and youth from various IDP camps in the area, demanded immediate government intervention to ensure their safe return to ancestral communities which they fled due to persistent attacks.
However, around 2 pm, Kurugh posted an update, confirming that a government delegation had addressed the protesters and that the traffic had been cleared.
“Good news for travelers along the Abuja Makurdi highway! The road has now been cleared and is open to traffic after earlier disruptions,” he wrote.
“This follows a successful intervention by a government delegation led by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lord Phydel Mnyim, alongside the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command.
“The Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), who had earlier blocked the road in protest, have peacefully stepped down in response to the government’s engagement.
“We appreciate the swift action taken to restore order and thank all travelers for their patience during the disruption.”
Benue State, often referred to as Nigeria’s “food basket,” has faced years of bloody conflict between farming communities and suspected armed herdsmen.
The violence has displaced tens of thousands across the state, especially in areas like Guma, Gwer West, and Logo Local Government Areas.
The most recent was the suspected armed herdsmen attack on Yelewata in June 2025 where hundreds of residents of the community were brutally killed.
Many of these IDPs have lived in makeshift camps for over five years, with limited access to basic services, education, and security.
Successive administrations in the state have repeatedly called on the Federal Government for support in resettling displaced communities, but progress has remained slow.
Sporadic attacks in rural communities have further hampered return efforts