Residents of Makurdi on Wednesday trooped out on the streets to protest against Tuesday’s attack on some farmers, calling on the presidency to bring the culprits to book.

The residents were seen with placards bearing inscriptions such as “presidential intervention needed” and “stop this incessant blood bath”.

Some of the protesters, who shouted on top of their voices, said the federal government should intervene and stop the madness.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the protesters, mostly youth, barricaded most routes leading in and out of the state.

The youth have vowed not to leave the streets until the presidency speaks on the killings.

One of the protesters, Terhemen Anum told NAN that some residents in Guma and Logo local government areas and yet to be determined number of peasant farmers, women, children and the aged were attacked while “no one has spoken from the high places”.

Another resident, Ruth Agba, said there was evidence that the gunmen killed some farmers, burnt down their homes and destroyed their farms, crops.

Ms. Agba said the attackers’ mode of operation did not differ from Boko Haram terrorists. She said the extent of impact and devastation on victims means the attackers should declared as terrorists.

Governor Samuel Ortom said on Tuesday that the armed persons killed over 20, injured over 30 in Benue between Monday and Tuesday in Guma and Logo local government areas.

Mr. Ortom disclosed this while addressing journalists in Makurdi after the State Council Security Meeting.

He said that out of the number, nine were Livestock Guards who were to ensure the full implementation of the Anti-Open Grazing Law which was signed on November 1, 2017.

Mr. Ortom called on the federal government to wade into the matter so as to avert further destruction of lives and property. He blamed herdsmen for the killings.

The police later said on Wednesday that 17 people were killed and that eight herdsmen suspected to be among the killers had been arrested.

The attack is the first in 2018. In 2017, over 20 attacks were recorded leading to scores of deaths.