- Youths in Gwer West LGA set the Local Government Secretariat and the traditional ruler’s palace on fire
- The protest, which began peacefully, was reportedly hijacked by hoodlums
- Police authorities have deployed tactical teams to restore order in Naka
There was chaos in Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State on Tuesday morning as enraged youths set fire to the Local Government Secretariat in Naka and the palace of HRH Daniel Abomtse, Chairman of the Gwer West Traditional Council.
EKO HOT BLOG gathered that the violent protest was sparked by the alleged killing of three Civil Protection Guards by suspected armed herdsmen on Monday.
The mob also torched other properties in the town, including a hotel owned by Senator Titus Zam, who represents Benue North West District in the Senate.
According to sources, the unrest began around 7 a.m. when the bodies of the slain security personnel were brought to Naka for burial.
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The youth, frustrated by ongoing attacks in the region, accused the government of failing to curb the persistent killings by armed herdsmen in Gwer West communities.
“What you see happening today is a revolt and a demonstration of bottled-up anger over the activities of armed herdsmen and the authorities’ failure to address the menace,” a source said.
Confirming the incident, Gwer West LGA Chairman, Victor Omirin, stated that while the protest began as a demonstration, it was later hijacked by hoodlums who went on a rampage, setting fire to the council secretariat and the Ter Nagi’s palace.
He explained that the crisis erupted after the murder of the three Civil Protection Guards in Gyaluwa community. “When their bodies were brought to Naka, it sparked protests from the youths, which were eventually taken over by hoodlums,” he said.
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Joseph Har, Special Adviser to the Governor on Internal Security, confirmed the attack and said he was informed that after burning the secretariat, the mob moved toward Abomtse’s palace and Zam’s hotel. However, he could not verify whether the deceased were members of the Civil Protection Guards.
Meanwhile, HRH Daniel Abomtse, who had traveled for medical treatment, confirmed that his palace was destroyed. “I traveled for a check-up only to hear that the boys razed the secretariat, my palace, and other valuables, including three vehicles and motorcycles,” he said while heading back to Naka.
Police spokesperson, CSP Catherine Anene, stated that security forces, led by the Commissioner of Police, had been deployed to Naka to restore order. “Further developments will be communicated,” she added.
