By Divine Sam
Tension gripped the Nyorhyungu community in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Monday morning as angry youths forcefully expelled a herd of cattle allegedly owned by Hon. Dickson Tarkighir, the member representing Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
The uproar began after the arrival of the cattle on Sunday evening. The herd was reportedly accompanied by six Fulani herders and a group of armed escorts, raising immediate concern among residents.
Eyewitnesses told Daily Post that the unusual presence of armed personnel escorting herders and cattle through the neighborhood created fear and confusion.
“People couldn’t sleep. Panic swept through the community. Seeing armed men walking with cows at night was terrifying,” one resident said on condition of anonymity. “It felt like an invasion—we had no idea what their mission was.”
By Monday morning, the situation escalated as large numbers of youths gathered in protest. Carrying placards and chanting slogans, they demanded the urgent removal of the cows and their minders, citing security concerns and the backdrop of recent violent attacks on rural farming communities