By Atoyebi Nike
Tension erupted in the Nyorhyungu area of Makurdi on Monday morning as angry youths forcefully drove out a herd of cattle allegedly belonging to Hon. Dickson Tarkighir, the federal lawmaker representing Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency.
The unrest followed the arrival of the cattle on Sunday evening, reportedly accompanied by six Fulani herders and heavily armed escorts.
“People couldn’t sleep. There was panic everywhere. We were shocked to see armed escorts with cows parading through our community,” said one resident who declined to be named.
“It felt like an invasion. No one knew what was going on,” another added.
By early morning, dozens of youths poured into the streets, protesting the presence of the livestock and their handlers. Wielding placards and chanting slogans, the protesters alleged that the arrival of Fulani herders posed a serious security threat, particularly after recent violent attacks on rural farming communities across the state.
Hon. Tarkighir reportedly visited the area to calm the situation and clarify the purpose of the cattle’s presence. However, his explanations were rejected outright. The protesters insisted that the herders, cattle, and their armed escorts must leave the area immediately.
The standoff escalated when the youths, unfazed by the presence of security operatives, began chasing the herd and their minders out of the neighborhood, forcing the Fulani herders to flee with the livestock.
As of press time, local authorities had not issued an official statement, though residents say the situation remains tense.
