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Tension escalated in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State as enraged youths set fire to key government and traditional institutions in response to the killing of three community guards by suspected bandits.
The unrest saw the council secretariat and the palace of the Ter Nagi, Chief Daniel Abomtse, in Naka, the local government headquarters, reduced to ashes.
Reports also indicate that a hotel allegedly linked to Senator Titus Zam, representing Benue North West in the National Assembly, was torched during the chaos.
According to local sources, the violence erupted early Tuesday when youths retrieved the bodies of the slain community guards—killed on Monday evening in a Gwer West village—and transported them to the local government headquarters.
“The youths are frustrated because our people are being killed, yet the state government appears inactive. When the corpses of the guards arrived this morning, the protest escalated, leading to the burning of the council secretariat, the Ter Nagi’s palace, and a hotel linked to Senator Zam,” a resident, speaking anonymously, told our correspondent.
Victor Ormin, Chairman of Gwer West LGA, confirmed the incident, stating that what began as a peaceful demonstration by local youths was hijacked by hoodlums, resulting in widespread destruction.
“Yes, the secretariat and the Ter Nagi’s palace have been burnt. The protest started after three Benue Civil Protection Guards were killed in Garuwa, a ward in Gwer West. Their bodies were brought to Naka, sparking anger among the youth, and it spiraled out of control,” Ormin said.
Attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Catherine Anene, for an official response were unsuccessful as of press time.
The latest violence highlights growing frustration over insecurity in Benue State, with communities demanding urgent government intervention to curb attacks by armed groups. (Daily Trust)
