The Benue State House of Assembly on Tuesday asked security agencies to release 14 youths who were arrested during a protest against the recent killings in Yelewata, a community in Guma Local Government Area.
The protest, which happened on Sunday, took place along the Abuja-Makurdi highway.
The demonstrators, mostly young people dressed in black, blocked the road with placards and palm fronds as they mourned those killed in the attack.
The demonstration turned tense when the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Sam Ode, arrived to speak to them.
The protesters rejected his presence and insisted that Governor Hyacinth Alia should come in person.
Security forces, including police and soldiers, later arrived at the scene.
The situation became more chaotic when tear gas was fired to disperse the crowd.
Fourteen people were taken into custody by the police during the clash.
The Assembly, during its plenary session, called on both state and federal authorities to do more to protect rural communities that continue to suffer attacks.
Lawmakers stressed the need for quick action to prevent more loss of lives in areas like Yelewata.
The Yelewata attack happened late on Friday night when suspected herdsmen stormed the village, killing several residents and leaving many injured.
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