Protesting Benue youths have torched the local secretariat, the palace of a traditional ruler, and a hotel belonging to Sen. Titus Zam in Naka, Gwer-West Local Government Area of Benue State.
They are angered by the frequent killings of farmers, women, and children by armed men suspected to be herdsmen in the area.
The burning of the edifices came barely a few hours after the murder of three youths who are believed to be enlisted members of the state protection guards.
A source in Naka, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the youths, numbering over 200, invaded the secretariat shortly after they recovered the dead bodies of the three youths and brought them to Naka.
He said the irate youths also proceeded to the palace of Ter Nagi, Chief Daniel Abomtse, and burnt down the palace before moving on to set ablaze a hotel belonging to the senator representing Benue Northwest Senatorial District, Senator Titus Zam.
The Executive Chairman of Gwer-West Local Government Council, Mr. Victor Omirin, confirmed the incident.
“The irate youths truly burnt down the local government secretariat and the Ter Naka palace.”
Mr. Omirin told newsmen on the phone that the killing of three members of the protection guards triggered the protest, adding that when the dead bodies were brought into Naka town, the youths went on a rampage.
“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 a protest from the youth, and it’s now being taken over by hoodlums.”
Meanwhile, the Benue State Government, through the Special Adviser on Internal Security, Chief Joseph Har, has confirmed the incident but denied that the protection guards who were killed were members of the state government security outfit.
“Yes, I called, and they told me that the secretariat was burnt. I was also told that after burning the secretariat, they proceeded towards Abomtse’s palace and Zam’s hotel, but I haven’t heard the latest.
“The people killed were not members of the protection guards. If they were farmers, hunters, or local fighters, I don’t know, but they are not our members,” Har said.
When contacted, the Benue State Police Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Catherine Anene, confirmed the development, saying that the command is aware of the situation.
Irate Benue youths raze LG Secretariat, palace, senator ‘s hotel over killings
