Fury in Benue: Youths Set Council Secretariat, Monarch’s Palace, Senator’s Hotel Ablaze Over Killings

Tensions flared in Benue State on Tuesday as angry youths in Gwer West Local Government Area set fire to several key buildings in Naka town in protest over the alleged murder of three Civil Protection Guards by suspected armed herdsmen. The protest, which began around 7 a.m. when the bodies of the slain guards were brought home for burial, quickly turned violent.

The demonstrators torched the Gwer West Local Government Council Secretariat and the palace of the Chairman of the Gwer West Traditional Council, HRH Daniel Abomtse, who confirmed the incident. According to him, three vehicles, motorcycles, and other valuables at his residence were also destroyed in the attack while he was away on a medical visit.

In addition to the government buildings, a hotel belonging to Senator Titus Zam, who represents Benue North West in the Senate, was also set ablaze. The situation rapidly escalated as the protest was reportedly hijacked by hoodlums who intensified the destruction across the town.

Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Victor Omirin, confirmed the protest had taken a violent turn and said the attacks were a reaction to Monday’s killings in Gyaluwa community. According to him, the unrest was sparked by the growing frustration among residents over continued attacks by armed herdsmen and the perceived inaction of authorities.

A local source who requested anonymity said the violent outburst was “a revolt and demonstration of bottled-up anger” over repeated attacks in Gwer West communities, which have resulted in deaths and destruction without adequate government intervention.

Joseph Har, Special Adviser to the Governor on Internal Security, acknowledged the unrest and confirmed that the buildings targeted included the secretariat and Senator Zam’s hotel. He could not confirm the identities of the murdered individuals, saying it was unclear whether they were Civil Protection Guards, local hunters, or farmers.

The Benue State Police Command also confirmed the incident. Police spokesperson, CSP Catherine Anene, said the Commissioner of Police had moved to the area with tactical teams and that further updates would be communicated.