Benue youths disrupt APC primaries, block highway in protest over insecurity (Video)

Angry youths in Benue South staged a protest on Saturday during the ongoing All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries, calling for urgent government intervention over continued killings in parts of the Idoma-speaking communities.

The demonstrators blocked a major highway in Apa Local Government Area, disrupting vehicular movement and political activities in the area. The protesters also carried a coffin and placards bearing inscriptions such as “No election” as they expressed frustration over the security situation.

The protest coincided with the APC primary exercise being conducted under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, which is holding internal elections across states ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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The protesters said the ongoing wave of attacks allegedly carried out by suspected armed herders and other criminal groups has made life increasingly unsafe in the region.

They insisted that political activities should not proceed while residents continue to face repeated violence and loss of lives, arguing that security must be prioritised before elections.

One of the demonstrators said, “Apa is bleeding, we are saying no to election,” as tensions escalated along the blocked highway.

The blockade led to significant disruption of movement in and out of the area, with commuters stranded for hours as security and political activities were halted in the affected corridor.

The protest reflects growing anger in parts of Benue South over insecurity, which residents say has persisted despite repeated calls for stronger protection from authorities.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no immediate official response from security agencies or state authorities regarding the protest.