Toba Owojaiye reporting
Benue State, Nigeria
Tensions escalated in Benue State on Tuesday as irate youths in Naka, the headquarters of Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA), set ablaze several significant structures in protest against the alleged killing of three Civil Protection Guards by suspected armed herdsmen. The unrest is the eruption of the deep-seated frustrations of local communities over persistent security challenges and perceived governmental inaction.
Truth Live News gathered that the protest ignited around 7 a.m. when the bodies of the slain guards were brought back to Naka for burial. The demonstrators’ anger swiftly escalated, leading to the torching of the Gwer West Local Government Council Secretariat and the palace of the Ter Nagi, Chief Daniel Abomtse, the chairman of the Gwer West Traditional Council. Chief Abomtse, who was away on a medical visit at the time, confirmed the incident, noting that three vehicles, motorcycles, and other valuables at his residence were also destroyed.
Additionally, a hotel owned by Senator Titus Zam, representing Benue North West in the Senate, was set ablaze. The situation deteriorated further as hoodlums reportedly hijacked the protest, intensifying the destruction across Naka town.
Victor Omirin, Chairman of Gwer West LGA, acknowledged that the protest had turned violent, attributing the unrest to mounting frustrations among residents over continuous attacks by armed herdsmen and the perceived lack of adequate response from authorities.
Joseph Har, Special Adviser to the Governor on Internal Security, confirmed the targeted destruction of the council secretariat and Senator Zam’s hotel. He, however, could not verify the exact identities of the murdered individuals, stating it was unclear whether they were Civil Protection Guards, local hunters, or farmers.
The Benue State Police Command also confirmed the incident. Police spokesperson, CSP Catherine Anene, stated that the Commissioner of Police had deployed tactical teams to the area to restore order, with further updates to be communicated as the situation unfolds.
The Gwer West LGA has been a hotspot for violent confrontations between local communities and suspected armed herdsmen. In January 2025, Chief Daniel Abomtse reported that over the past 13 years, 577 of his subjects were killed in 141 violent herdsmen attacks. This long-standing history of violence has fostered deep-seated grievances among residents, often culminating in protests and civil unrest. For instance, in April 2024, residents of Gwer West LGA staged protests blocking major roads to demand enforcement of the state’s anti-open grazing law following the killing of 28 people in some communities.
The recurring attacks and subsequent protests highlight a critical need for effective security interventions and conflict resolution mechanisms in Benue State. The state’s anti-open grazing law, enacted to mitigate such conflicts, has faced challenges in enforcement, leading to continued tensions between farmers and herders. The recent violent protests in Naka reflect a growing impatience among local communities, who feel compelled to take drastic actions to voice their grievances and demand safety.
As the situation develops, it remains imperative for both state and federal authorities to address the underlying issues contributing to the unrest, ensuring the protection of lives and properties, and fostering peace in the affected communities.