Benue: Angry youths burn Gwer West LG secretariat, Chief’s Palace, over rising insecurity
Benue: Angry youths burn Gwer West LG secretariat, Chief’s Palace, over rising insecurity
By Adah Blessing
Angry youths have burnt the secretariat of Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State and the palace of their traditional ruler, Ter Nagi, Chief Daniel Abomtse, over worsening security situation especially the incessant killing of citizens in the area.
Abeyanews reports that what initially started as a peaceful protest following the killing of three of their kinsmen by gunmen suspected to be bandits turned violent, leading to the torching of properties including a hotel owned by Senator Titus Zam, representing Benue North West.
The angry youths claimed the three victims were members of the state security outfit, Civil Protection Guard, launched recently by the state government.
A resident, who declined to be mentioned for fear of victimization, said the youth were angry that the government was indifferent to the worsening insecurity situations in their area.
The Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Mr Victor Omirin confirmed the incident to newsmen on phone.
Omirin said: “Yes, they burned down the secretariat and the Ter Nagi’s palace. Three protection guards were killed in Garuwa so when their bodies were brought to Nagi, it sparked protest from youths and it’s now being taken over by hoodlums.”
Also speaking on phone, the Ter Nagi, Chief Daniel Abomtse said he was away for medical check up and was just going back to Nagi.
He said his palace alongside valuables, three vehicles and motorcycles that were within the premises of the palace were burnt. He promised to get back as soon as he assess the extent of destruction on his palace.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Joseph Har, also confirmed the incident.
His words: “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.”
He, however stated that the people killed were not members of the Civil Protection Guard.
“If they were farmers, hunters or local fighters, I don’t know but they are not our members,” he said.
In a message, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benue Command, CSP Catherine Anene also confirmed the protest, adding that the Commissioner had moved to the area with other officers to bring the situation under control.
“Information has been received about an ongoing protest in Nagi and the Commissioner of Police moved this morning to the area with other tactical teams. Further development will be communicated to you please”, She said.
