News Editor
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
Youths from Gwer West Local Government Area LGA of Benue State have taken to the streets protesting the killing of three of their brothers by gunmen suspected to be bandits.
It was learnt that the three victims were members of the state security outfit, Civil Protection Guard.
Our correspondent gathered that while the protest went on, hoodlums took over what was meant to be peaceful and burnt down the Local Government Secretariat.
It was said that they also burnt down other properties including the palace of the Ter Nagi, Chief Daniel Abomtse and a hotel belonging to Senator Titus Zam, Senator representing Benue North West, among other private properties
A local from the area, who pleaded to remain anonymous said the youths were angry that the government is doing nothing about the security situations in their area especially the incessant killings of citizens in the area.
The Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Mr Victor Omirin who confirmed the incident to newsmen on Tuesday said “Yes, they burned down the secretariat and the Ter Naka’s palace. Three protection guards were killed in Garuwa so when their bodies were brought to Naka, it sparked protest from the youth 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 Naka.
He said his palace alongside valuables, three vehicles and motorcycles that were within the premises of the palace were burnt down. He promised to get back as soon as he access the destruction on his palace.
Meanwhile the Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Joseph Har, PSP, confirmed the incident saying he was told that the secretariat was burnt.
“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.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Benue Command, CSP Catherine Anene also confirmed the protest saying “Information has been received about an on going protest in Naka and the Commissioner of Police moved this morning to the area with other tactical teams. Further development will be communicated to you please.”
