Irate Benue Youths Raze LG Secretariat, Palace, Senator’s Hotel Over Killings
Angered by the recent killings of farmers, women, and children by suspected herdsmen, irate youths in Benue State have set fire to the local government secretariat, the palace of a traditional ruler, and a hotel owned by Senator Titus Zam in Naka, Gwer-West Local Government Area. The violent protest erupted on Monday following the murder of three youths believed to be members of the state’s protection guards.
According to a source in Naka, over 200 youths stormed the local government secretariat shortly after the bodies of the three slain youths were brought into the town. The protesters, overwhelmed by grief and anger, proceeded to burn down the palace of Ter Nagi, Chief Daniel Abomtse, before targeting and setting ablaze a hotel belonging to Senator Titus Zam, who represents Benue Northwest Senatorial District.
The Executive Chairman of Gwer-West Local Government Council, Mr. Victor Omirin, confirmed the incident, stating that the killing of the three protection guards triggered the violent protest. “The irate youths truly burnt down the local government secretariat and the Ter Naka palace,” Omirin said. He added that the situation escalated when the bodies of the slain youths were brought to Naka, leading to a rampage by the protesters.
“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,” Omirin explained.
However, the Benue State Government, through the Special Adviser on Internal Security, Chief Joseph Har, denied that the slain youths were members of the state’s protection guards. “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.
The Benue State Police Command also confirmed the incident, with the Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Catherine Anene, stating that the command is aware of the situation and is working to restore order.
The violent protest highlights the growing frustration and anger among Benue residents over the frequent attacks by armed herdsmen, which have resulted in the loss of lives and property. The state has been a hotspot for farmer-herder clashes, with many communities bearing the brunt of the violence.
The burning of the local government secretariat, the traditional ruler’s palace, and Senator Zam’s hotel underscores the deep-seated grievances of the youth, who feel abandoned by the government and traditional institutions in the face of persistent insecurity. The incident also raises concerns about the effectiveness of the state’s security measures and the need for more robust interventions to protect vulnerable communities.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are calling for calm and urging the government to address the root causes of the violence. The Benue State Government has been urged to intensify efforts to secure affected communities and bring the perpetrators of the attacks to justice.
The protest serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for peacebuilding and conflict resolution initiatives in Benue State. It also highlights the importance of engaging with local communities to address their concerns and restore trust in government institutions.
In the meantime, security agencies have been deployed to Naka to restore order and prevent further violence. The state government has also pledged to investigate the incident and take appropriate measures to address the underlying issues.
As Benue State grapples with the fallout from the protest, the focus will be on finding lasting solutions to the insecurity that has plagued the region for years. The incident underscores the need for a coordinated approach involving all stakeholders to ensure peace and stability in the state.
