Women block highway, protest kidnap, rape in Benue community

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Commuters plying the Federal highway Makurdi- Aliade were stranded on Tuesday for several hours following protest by women along the road.
There were long queues of heavy duty trucks and vehicles parked on the road shoulders.
Women leader of Mbakough Kindred, Mrs Veronica Orbunde said the peaceful demonstration was to draw Government’s attention to the kidnap of three of their husbands as well as consistent raping of women on their farms by militia in the area.
Recalled that recent renewed clash between Mbasombo and Mbaivur communities in Ikyayongo, Gwer East Local Government area led to destruction of the main market as well as burning of several houses.
Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Mr Aondona Dajoh deferred the heavy downpour as he passionately appealed to the warring communities to embrace peace and stop the incessant killings and destruction of property.
Mr. Dajoh who commiserated with the people, assured that Government would ensure the deployment of more security personnel to the area to safeguard lives and property.
The speaker who also inspected the level of destruction at the Ikpayongo market, frowned at the ugly development.
He however, enjoined the aggrieved people to open up the federal highway which they blocked for several hours to allow travellers proceed on their journey.
The member representing Gwer East State Constituency, Elias Audu described the situation as very unfortunate and painful and called for immediate deployment of more security personnel to the area.
Mr. Douglas Akya, who represents Makurdi South State Constituency, decried the humanitarian crisis, saying many victims who are taking shelter at Apir are in dire need of relief materials to alleviate their suffering.
Mr. Akya called on relevant government agencies, including NEMA and SEMA to provide food and non food items to the displaced persons.