There was chaos in Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State on Tuesday morning as angry youths set fire to the Local Government Secretariat in Naka and the palace of HRH Daniel Abomtse, the Chairman of the Gwer West Traditional Council.
The unrest was triggered by the alleged killing of three Civil Protection Guards by suspected armed herdsmen on Monday.
In addition to the council buildings, the mob also reportedly burned other properties, including a hotel owned by Senator Titus Zam, who represents Benue North West District in the Senate.
The violence erupted around 7 a.m. when the bodies of the slain security personnel were brought to Naka for burial.
According to a local source who requested anonymity, the attack was fueled by frustration over the government’s failure to curb ongoing attacks by armed herdsmen in Gwer West communities.
“This is an expression of deep-seated anger over the repeated incursions and killings in our area,” the source said.
Gwer West LGA Chairman, Victor Omirin, confirmed that the protest initially began peacefully but was later taken over by hoodlums, who then set fire to the government buildings.
“The crisis started after the killing of three Civil Protection Guards in Gyaluwa community. When their bodies were brought to Naka, it sparked protests that were later hijacked by hoodlums, leading to the destruction of the Local Government Secretariat and the Ter Nagi’s palace,” Omirin explained.
Joseph Har, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Internal Security, also confirmed the attacks, stating that he received reports of the destruction of the secretariat and further attempts to target other properties, including the hotel belonging to Senator Zam. However, he could not confirm whether the murdered individuals were indeed Civil Protection Guards.
Efforts to reach Col. Alex Ashungyu (retd), the Governor’s External Security Adviser, whose home community was reportedly affected, were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, HRH Daniel Abomtse, who had traveled for a medical check-up, confirmed the burning of his palace and the destruction of valuable property, including three vehicles and several motorcycles.
“I was away for medical reasons when I received the news that my palace and other valuables had been burned down. I am currently on my way back to Naka,” he stated.
The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Catherine Anene, confirmed that the Commissioner of Police and other tactical teams had been deployed to Naka to manage the situation. She assured that further updates would be provided as events unfold.
