Tension gripped parts of central Nigeria on Friday, January 2, 2026, as youths from the Bunuland area were dispersed with teargas by the Nigeria Police Force while protesting amid escalating insecurity that has seen dozens of communities abandoned and residents driven from their homes.
The demonstration, which began peacefully, saw hundreds of youths block a major road in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, chanting solidarity songs and waving placards demanding urgent government action against killings, kidnappings, and the occupation of farms by criminal elements.
The protesters were captured displaying signs with bold inscriptions including “Bunuland Bleeds” and “Why Should We Ask for Permission to Live?” as they marched to draw national attention to what they described as a worsening humanitarian crisis.
One of the protesters, speaking during the march, underscored the scale of the displacement.
He said, “We have 44 communities in Bunuland. Those communities have been deserted.”
“Communities like Kayetoro, Kiri, Ole, and others. The last time people were killed in Ole, about three people were murdered. Many more have been killed over time.”
The demonstrator added that fear had forced people to flee their ancestral homes.
“There is nobody left in those communities. People have abandoned their homes. The police are here now, and they have been shooting teargas at us.” �
Despite the deployment of tear gas, the youths repeatedly insisted they would not withdraw until their demands for improved security action were heard.
“But we are resolute. We are not leaving here. We are resolute,” the protester declared.
After multiple teargas rounds were fired, the road was eventually cleared and demonstrators were forced to disperse, curtailing the protest. Authorities have not yet released a formal statement explaining their decision to fire teargas at the youths.
The protest follows ongoing complaints from Kabba-Bunu and neighbouring communities over rampant insecurity, including killings, kidnappings, and the occupation of farmlands by armed groups, a situation that locals say has worsened over recent months and left many unable to return to normal life.
