In response to ongoing attacks by armed herders, many residents of Benue State have begun boycotting beef, turning instead to pork as a form of protest.
Once known for its high beef consumption, Benue is witnessing a shift as communities reject cow meat, which they associate with the violence inflicted by herdsmen.
The move has led to a surge in pork demand, causing prices to skyrocket. A live pig that previously sold for ₦10,000 now goes for ₦35,000, making pork less affordable for many.
Local butchers and restaurant owners confirm the trend. Jonathan Aer, a pig butcher in Makurdi, said the rise in pork consumption began when herdsmen attacks intensified. He noted that many families now refuse to buy beef, believing it supports those responsible for the violence.
Madam Ngunna Igbaar, a restaurant owner, lamented that pork, once a cheap protein source for the poor, is becoming unaffordable. She shared that customers now insist on avoiding beef, viewing it as indirectly funding the attackers.
The boycott appears to be gaining momentum, with residents encouraging others to join in. While the protest has driven pork prices up, many see it as a necessary stand against the violence affecting rural communities.
