Tension rose in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, early Monday after angry young people drove out a group of cows and their Fulani herders from the Nyorhyungu area.

The cows reportedly belonged to Dickson Tarkighir, a federal lawmaker who represents Makurdi/Guma in the House of Representatives.

Residents became worried on Sunday night when the cows arrived along with six Fulani herders and heavily armed escorts.

An eyewitness told Daily Post that many people were afraid and couldn’t sleep, shocked to see men with guns moving through their neighborhood with cattle.

He said it felt like a surprise invasion, and no one understood who the men were or why they came.

By morning, local youths started protesting. They filled the streets with placards, calling for the immediate removal of the cows and herders.

The protesters said the presence of the herders made them feel unsafe, especially because Benue has recently seen violent attacks on farming communities.

Representative Tarkighir later came to the scene to explain things and calm the crowd.

But the young protesters didn’t listen to him. They demanded that both the cows and the Fulani herders leave immediately.

The situation got more intense when the protesters ignored security forces and began chasing the cattle themselves. The herders had to run away with the animals.