Angry youths in Benue South on Saturday disrupted the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Apa Local Government Area, as they stormed a major highway with a coffin and placards to protest persistent insecurity in their communities.
The demonstrators blocked the highway, effectively halting movement and bringing political activities in the area to a standstill. Chanting “No election,” they insisted that no party exercise would be allowed to proceed until the government addresses the wave of killings affecting Idoma-speaking communities.
According to the protesters, residents of Apa LGA have been living under continuous fear due to repeated attacks allegedly carried out by armed herdsmen and other criminal elements. They said political leaders must prioritize the protection of lives and property before focusing on elections and party primaries.
One of the protesters stated that the people of Apa are rejecting any electoral process until the security situation in the region improves, stressing that governance must first deliver safety and peace.
The use of a coffin during the protest was described as a symbolic representation of lives lost in the ongoing violence, as well as a strong warning to political actors that elections cannot be meaningful without security and stability in affected communities.
