Tension escalated in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State on Tuesday as angry protesters set fire to the council secretariat and the palace of the traditional ruler of Naka, Ter Nagi, Chief Daniel Abomtse.
The violence erupted following the killing of three community guards by suspected bandits.
Reports indicate that a hotel allegedly belonging to Senator Titus Zam, who represents Benue North West in the National Assembly, was also torched during the unrest.
According to residents, the protest began early Tuesday when youths from the area retrieved the bodies of the slain guards—killed on Monday evening in a village in Gwer West—and brought them to the local government headquarters.
“The youths are furious because these bandits continue to attack and kill people, yet the state government seems to be doing nothing. Since the bodies arrived this morning, protesters have burned the council secretariat, Ter Nagi’s palace, and a hotel linked to Senator Titus Zam,” a resident, who requested anonymity, said.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Victor Ormin, explained that the protest initially started as a demonstration against the killings but was later hijacked by hoodlums, who went on a rampage.
“Yes, the secretariat and the Ter Nagi’s palace have been burned down. The violence began after the bodies of the three slain Benue Civil Protection Guards were brought to Naka. The protest started with youths demanding justice but was soon taken over by hoodlums,” Ormin said.
As at the time of filing this report, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Catherine Anene, had yet to respond to calls for comment.
