Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has advised citizens of the state against self-defence, following an attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

MyNigeria reported that the attack, which happened in Yelewata community, led to the death of over 200 people, including women and children.

The assailants also burnt down properties, rendering thousands homeless and displaced.

The incident sparked a protest on Sunday, with many youths vowing to pick up arms to defend themselves.

However, in an interview on AIT's Kakaaki, Alia advised them against such action, just as he called for other measures to ensure peace in the state.

He said, "You need to understand the dynamics of fighting, of guerrilla warfare, of getting out there to attack. The Constitution permits all of us to defend ourselves. The question is: to what extent?

"Each time I speak about this, I not only get passionate about it, I constantly guide my citizenry that it is not just advisable for you to say you will pick your knives and your machetes and sticks to get out there to fight. That is not good."

ASA