By Sunday Ogli, Makurdi
Hundreds of angry youths in Naka, headquarters of Gwer-West Local Government Area of Benue State, on Tuesday, protested the killing of three members of government Civil Protection Guard by suspected armed herdsmen.
Chairman of the Local Government Council, Mr Victor Omirin who confirmed the killings on phone said the three guards were killed in Garuwa community.
Mr Omirin said the protest started when the bodies of the three guards were brought to Naka. He explained that the protest was later hijacked by hoodlums.
According to him, the angry youths first went to the LG secretariat and the palace of the paramount ruler, Ter Nagi, Chief Daniel Abomptse and burnt them down.
“Yes, they burned down the secretariat and the Ter Nagi palace,” Omirim affirmed.
Other properties reportedly destroyed by the protesterd included a hotel belonging to Senator Titus Zam, an indigine of the area who is the current senator representing Benue North West, Engineer Felix Atume’s house, Hon Kenneth Iyo’s house, Hon Cheme’s house and Zaki Ormin’s palace.
Chief Abomtse told newsmen on phone that he was away for medical checkup and was on his way returning to Naka.
He said that his palace alongside valuables, including three vehicles and motorcycles that were within the premises of the palace were destroyed by the irate youths.
Contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, CSP, Catherine Anene, said the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Steve Yabanet and tactical teams had moved to the area to restore law and order.
Meanwhile, the state governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has condemned the killing of the three members of the Civil Protection Guards whom he said were on guard at On-MbaAondo Tsambe-Mbesev Watd of Gwer-West LGA.
The governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Kula Tersoo on Tuesday, stated that the inhuman act carried out by marauding herdsmen, is a flagrant affront to the peace and security of communities in the state.
“We appreciate the deep rage and frustration that has led to the anxiety at Naka, the headquarters of Gwer-West, including the regrettable burning of the local government secretariat and the palace of Ter Nagi by protesters.
“While we empathize with the sentiments of our people, we advocate restraint and foresight in funneling this anger. Destruction of our own worth simply serves to frustrate the intentions of our government, which is devoted to building up peace and security in the state.
“We request all security organs to intensify their efforts in detecting and capturing the perpetrators of this heinous atrocity. It is essential that these marauding herdsmen are forced to do justice to ensure that they deal with the full wrath of the law.
“The security of our residents is paramount, and we will not rest until those culpable for this violence are held liable,” he said.
The governor emphasized that his government is doing its best to enhance security and protect communities from further attacks.
“We implore all citizens to stand vigilant and collaborate with security agencies in reporting unusual activities,” he appealed.
