- Safiu Kehinde
A viral video capturing security operatives allegedly escorting a herd of cattle in Markurdi, Benue state capital, has triggered reactions amid the rise of insurgency in the state.
The latest attack and killing of over 100 residents of Yelewata town in Guma Local Government Area of the state by suspected armed herdsmen during the weekend had attracted heavy condemnation and concerns both at national and international levels.
Coupled with Amnesty International’s condemnation and demand for justice, Catholic Pontiff, Pope Leo, also prayed for justice, security , and peace to prevail in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the emergence of the video showing an operational vehicle of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) trailing behind the herd of cattles have sparked mixed reactions from netizens with some accusing government officials of being involved in the insecurity in the state.
One of the residents could be heard in the video accusing the state government of deploying the security operatives to escort the herd.
“Am from Benue State, the government doesn’t give a fk. Infact, some leaders there are promoting this war, that’s why over 10years of the crisis, nothing has been done.” @Urban Empire wrote.
“I live where this cows have been kept for the past 10 years or there about. The People taking care of these cows for a Political connected Tiv chief are Fulanis. After the Guma attack all the Fulanis were driven away, and the cows were eventually taken to a different location. As there were been driven away there promised to come back for revenge and that some of the cows belonged to them. All this is happening inside Makurdi Genabe after Wajina. Everyone is now living in panic mode, last night we were awake all night and most of my neighbors ran away” @badboypulga.
“These cows belong to a member house of reps, they asked him to move them so they can know when herdsmen are around stop spreading fake news pls”@papi_yero
“Now you have your answers, why the ban on open grazing is practically impossible – the elites owns 90% of cows roaming farms and villages”@fuudman
“These cows are probably owned by those in power because that’s the legit reason why the rearers can easily attack people without being afraid of the repercussions, because they know thier boss will shield them🤷”@DerahNwafor
“What do you expect from a coward that gave up priesthood for power? He’ll definitely do everything to remain in power.”@Akwaugonnaya
“It’s obvious those cows are in the road and the cars are waiting for the road to clear. However, the government of Benue has shown elite levels of incompetence and shamelessness. A complete disgrace.”@the juggernauut
“I don’t even understand what is wrong with all of us this days. So there should not be cows is Benue or what are u saying? Yes killing is bad, fish out the bad ones and deal with them. A lot of big men have cows ooo”@Shakuraliyu