Benue State erupted in chaos on June 15 as police fired tear gas to disperse hundreds of protesters mourning the Yelewata massacre victims. The black-clad demonstrators, demanding government action against herdsmen attacks, were met with chemical weapons just 48 hours after 200 civilians were slaughtered in Guma LGA. Eyewitnesses reported stampedes and injuries during the crackdown.
• Protesters carried placards reading "Enough is Enough" and "Protect Farmers Now."
• Security forces deployed tear gas within 30 minutes of a peaceful demonstration
• Incident occurred 5km from the massacre site, where bodies still await mass burial
Why attack the mourners instead of the murderers? This police response follows a disturbing pattern: Nigerian security forces consistently show more aggression toward grief-stricken citizens than armed killers. The teargas canisters symbolize failed governance - choking the voices demanding protection while herdsmen roam free. As one protester's sign asked: "Who terrorizes Benue more - herdsmen or those paid to stop them?"
