JUST-IN-: Protesters Set Palace, LG Secretariat Ablaze In Benue

Angry protesters in Naka, the headquarters of Gwer-West Local Government Area of Benue State on Tuesday set the palace of the Ter Nagi, Chief Daniel Abomtse, and the local government secretariat on fire.

The incident followed the protest over the alleged invasion and killing of three members of the State Civil Protection Guards by armed men suspected to be marauding herdsmen in the area.

LEADERSHIP gathered that violence broke out after suspected armed herders reportedly killed three operatives of the Benue Civil Protection Guards at Gyaruwa community in the local government which sparked the widespread protest.

According to an eyewitness who craved anonymity, the bodies of the victims were brought to Naka in the early hours of Tuesday, triggering protests that escalated into destruction of properties.

Chairman of the local government, Victor Omirin, and the Ter Nagi, Chief Abomtse confirmed the incident, promising to get back to our correspondent when the tension is doused.

Also confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Catherine Anene in a statement said, “information has been received about an ongoing protest in Naka and the Commissioner of Police has moved this morning to the area with other tactical teams to restore law and order.”

She said “further development will be communicated to you, please.”

Details later…