Tensions have erupted in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State as irate youths set fire to the Local Government Council Secretariat in Naka, the Palace of the Gwer West Traditional Council Chairman, HRH Daniel Abomtse, and several other properties.

The violent protest, which broke out on Tuesday morning, was triggered by the alleged killing of three members of the Civil Protection Guards by suspected armed herdsmen on Monday.

In addition to the council secretariat and palace, the mob reportedly burned down a hotel belonging to Senator Titus Zam, who represents Benue North West District in the Senate.

It was gathered that the angry youths took to the streets as early as 7am when the bodies of the three murdered local security personnel were brought to Naka for burial.

According to the source who spoke on condition of anonymity, “The youths were not only angered by the murder of the three local security personnel but by the fact that the government is not doing enough to check the unending incursions and killing in Gwer West LGA by armed herdsmen.

“What you see happening today is a revolt and demonstration of bottled up anger over the activities of armed herdsmen in Gwer West communities and the failure of the authorities to check the menace.”

Confirming the development, Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Victor Omirin, said the protest which was started by the youths in Naka was later hijacked by hoodlums, “and they burnt down the Local Government secretariat and the Ter Nagi’s palace.”