Angry youths in Benue South on Saturday disrupted the ongoing All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections, protesting the persistent killings in parts of the Idoma-speaking area and demanding urgent government intervention.
The protesters blocked a major highway in Apa Local Government Area, bringing vehicular movement and political activities to a standstill.
Carrying a coffin and placards with various messages, the demonstrators chanted No election, insisting that political activities should not continue while residents are under attack by armed assailants.
The youths said the security situation in Apa Local Government Area has worsened in recent weeks, citing repeated attacks allegedly carried out by suspected armed herdsmen and other criminal groups.
One of the protesters, speaking during the demonstration, declared that the community was in deep distress and could not participate in political exercises while lives continued to be lost.
The protest reflects growing frustration among residents in southern Benue State over the wave of violence affecting local communities, as calls intensify for stronger security measures to protect lives and property.
