Youth coalition in Benue backs out of planned nationwide protest, cites insecurity

A coalition of youth groups in Benue State has withdrawn from the proposed nationwide protests scheduled for August 1 and 10.

The Benue Youth Good Governance Movement, BYGGM, Benue Advancement Forum, BAF and Benue Pro-Active Network, BPN in a joint statement issued on Saturday, said the decision followed a careful consideration and intervention by Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation.

The coalition, in a statement co-signed by its conveners, Abajih Terhide Gabriel and Oche Daniel Itodo expressed worries over the security situation in the state, saying that Benue is currently volatile and prone to violence.

According to them, there is no need to exacerbate the security situation of the state with a rally that may lead to unrest.

“We have been monitoring the situation closely, and we believe that protest will not be in the best interest of our people at this time.

“Instead, we have decided to channel our energy into more positive and productive activities that will benefit our communities.

“We are grateful for the intervention of Professor Utsev.

“We believe that violence and unrest are not the solutions to our problems.

“Instead, we should work towards finding constructive solutions through dialogue and engagement. We urge them to support the government and Utsev who are working tirelessly to address our concerns.”

Recall that the country is tense following plans by some youths and activists to stage protests across the country against hunger.