Tensions erupted 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, the palace of the Gwer West traditional ruler, HRH Daniel Abomtse, and several other properties, including a hotel belonging to Senator Titus Zam.
The violent protest was triggered by the brutal killing of three Civil Protection Guards by suspected armed herdsmen on Monday. As their bodies were brought back to Naka for burial, emotions boiled over, and the youths took to the streets in anger.
A local source described the incident as an outburst of frustration over continued attacks by herdsmen and the government’s inability to curb the violence in the region.
“What you see today is a reaction to years of suffering. The people are tired of living in fear while those in power do little to protect them,” the source stated.
Confirming the incident, Gwer West LGA Chairman, Victor Omirin, said the protest was initially peaceful but was later hijacked by hoodlums, leading to widespread destruction.
“The crisis was triggered by the murder of three Civil Protection Guards in Gyaluwa community. When their bodies arrived in Naka, the protest escalated, and some individuals took advantage of the situation to wreak havoc,” he explained.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Internal Security, Joseph Har, also confirmed the unrest, noting that protesters moved from the secretariat to HRH Abomtse’s palace and then to Senator Zam’s hotel, setting them ablaze.
HRH Daniel Abomtse, who was away for medical treatment, confirmed that his palace and personal belongings, including vehicles and motorcycles, were completely destroyed.
“I was shocked to hear that my palace and other valuables had been burned down. I am on my way back to Naka now,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Benue State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Catherine Anene, acknowledged the crisis, adding that the Commissioner of Police had deployed tactical teams to the area to restore order.
The situation remains tense as authorities work to contain the fallout from the protest.
