Chaos broke out in Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State on Tuesday morning as enraged youths set fire to the Local Government Council Secretariat in Naka and the palace of the Gwer West traditional council chairman, HRH Daniel Abomtse.
The unrest was triggered by the alleged killing of three Civil Protection Guards by suspected armed herdsmen on Monday.
The mob also reportedly torched several properties, including a hotel owned by Senator Titus Zam, who represents Benue North West District in the Senate.
According to sources, the violence erupted around 7 a.m. when the bodies of the slain local security personnel were brought to Naka for burial. A source, speaking anonymously, revealed that the protest stemmed from longstanding frustrations over continued attacks by armed herdsmen and the government’s perceived inaction.
“What you see happening today is a revolt—a demonstration of bottled-up anger over the killings in Gwer West communities and the failure of authorities to address the menace,” the source stated.
Confirming the incident, Gwer West LGA Chairman, Victor Omirin, said the protest began peacefully but was hijacked by hoodlums who then set fire to the secretariat and the Ter Nagi’s palace.
“The unrest started when the bodies of the murdered Civil Protection Guards were brought to Naka. The youth protested, but the situation was taken over by hoodlums, leading to the destruction of properties,” Omirin explained.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Internal Security, Joseph Har, also confirmed the incident, stating that the attack happened in the hometown of the Governor’s External Security Adviser, Col. Alex Ashungyu (retd). Har noted that while he was informed about the destruction, he could not confirm whether the deceased were members of the Civil Protection Guards.
Efforts to reach Col. Ashungyu were unsuccessful. However, HRH Daniel Abomtse, Chairman of the Gwer West Traditional Council, confirmed the burning of his palace, expressing shock over the attack.
“I was away for medical check-up when I received the news that my palace and other valuables, including three vehicles and motorcycles, had been set ablaze. I am currently on my way back to Naka,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Catherine Anene, acknowledged the incident in a brief statement, confirming that the Commissioner of Police had deployed tactical teams to the area. She assured that further updates would be provided as investigations continue.
