On Tuesday, furious youths in Naka, Benue State, unleashed their anger by setting ablaze the palace of Ter Nagi, Chief Daniel Abomtse, and portions of the Gwer West Local Government Secretariat. The destructive outburst was a response to the killing of three individuals, reportedly at the hands of suspected armed herders.

The chaos began after three operatives of the Benue Civil Protection Guards were allegedly murdered in the Garuwa community within the Gwer West Local Government Area. Early Tuesday morning, the victims’ bodies were brought to Naka, igniting widespread outrage among residents. What started as a protest quickly spiraled into violence, with youths targeting key symbols of authority.

Confirming the incident, Gwer West LGA Chairman Victor Omirin said, “Yes, the secretariat and Ter Naka’s palace were burned down. The killing of three protection guards in Garuwa triggered the unrest. When their bodies arrived in Naka, the youth protested, and it has now been hijacked by hoodlums.” Chief Daniel Abomtse, the affected traditional ruler, also corroborated the account.

Attempts to contact Catherine Anene, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, for an official statement proved futile as her phone line remained unreachable.