Tensions escalated into chaos on Tuesday as enraged youths set fire to the palace of Ter Nagi, Chief Daniel Abomtse, and parts of the Gwer West Local Government Secretariat in protest against the killing of three people.
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The unrest was triggered by the brutal murder of three operatives of the Benue Civil Protection Guards, reportedly at the hands of suspected armed herders in Garuwa, a community within the local government area.
According to reports, the bodies of the slain security personnel were transported to Naka in the early hours of Tuesday, sparking an outcry that quickly spiraled into violent demonstrations.
Confirming the incident to CONFIRMNEWS, the Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Victor Omirin, stated, “Yes, they burned down the secretariat and the Ter Naka palace. Three protection guards were killed in Garuwa, so when their bodies were brought to Naka, it sparked protests from the youth, and it’s now being taken over by hoodlums.”
Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of destruction as angry mobs stormed the palace and the secretariat, setting buildings ablaze while chanting slogans condemning the killings.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the security situation. Efforts to reach the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, for comments were unsuccessful, as her phone remained unreachable at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, local sources fear that the situation could escalate further unless urgent security measures are taken to restore order.
More details to follow…