By Victor Itodo Abuh
VIOLENCE and chaos erupted in Naka, headquarters of Gwer West LGA of Benue State Benue State on Tuesday, as angry protesters set multiple buildings on fire in response to continued killings by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen.
The protest and subsequent response from combined team of police and army personnel who fired gunshots into the air to disperse the demonstrators has led to chaos, disrupting commercial and social activities.
Among the properties touched include the Gwer West local government secretariat, the palace of Ter Nagi, a hotel owned by Senator Zam, the residence of Engineer Felix Atume, the palace of Zaki Ormin and the home of Hon. Kenneth Iyo.
The wave of destruction was allegedly triggered by remarks attributed to a politician and federal legislator, who allegedly urged locals to take the corpses of those killed by suspected herdsmen to the local government secretariat as a form of protest.
However, what began as a demonstration quickly escalated into widespread violence, with protesters turning on their own community’s institutions and properties.
A witness lamented the approach, questioning its effectiveness. “This is an archaic way of protesting. You are destroying your own properties. Are the herdsmen living in the Secretariat or Senator Zam’s hotel? This doesn’t make sense,” the concerned resident stated.
The escalating violence has raised concerns about the security situation in Naka, with many calling on the Benue State Government and Governor Hyacinth Alia to intervene urgently.
There is growing fear that without immediate action, the crisis could worsen, further endangering lives and property.
For now, Naka remains on edge, with residents caught between the devastation of attacks by herdsmen and the destructive fallout of their own protests.
Meanwhile, The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the burning of Gwer West local government secretariat, Ter Nagi Palace, and many other infrastructures by protesters.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Sewuese Anene, told newsmen in Makurdi that the command was aware of the ongoing security breach in Naka.
Anene said the commissioner of police has already moved to the area with other tactical teams to restore peace and order.
Gwer West LGA Chairman Mr Victor Ormin also confirmed the incident to the newsmen.
Ormin said that the incident began as a peaceful protest before it was hijacked by hoodlums.
“Yes, they burnt down the secretariat and the Ter Nagi Palace.
“Three protection guards were killed in Gyaruwa; when their bodies were brought to Naka, it sparked protest from the youth, and it was taken over by hoodlums,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ter Nagi, Chief Daniel Abomtse, told newsmen that he was away for a medical check-up and was on his way back to Naka. Abomtse said his palace with many valuables, including three vehicles and motorcycles, was burnt.
