Violence Erupts In Benue, Nasarawa, And Ondo States

Benue, Nasarawa, and Ondo states were gripped by widespread protests and anger yesterday, following the killing of at least 28 people by herdsmen and bandits.

A tragic farmers/herders’ clash in Nasarawa LGA, Nasarawa State, resulted in the loss of at least 20 lives, including a pregnant woman.

The violence also left many injured, with houses, motorcycles, and a police vehicle set on fire.

According to the Nasarawa Police, six bodies have been recovered, while eyewitnesses report a higher death toll, with many still unaccounted for.

Also, protests erupted in Ondo State as market women and youths took to the streets, demanding justice for the kidnapping of nine surveyors.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage and concern over the deteriorating security situation in the region.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Government, Police, and regent are at odds over the recent attack on four communities in Akure North LGA, which resulted in the killing of 20 people by bandits.

The differing accounts and responses from the authorities have added to the growing tensions and uncertainty in the area.

Subsequently, Gwer West LGA of Benue State yesterday morning erupt in chaos as angry youths torched the council secretariat in Naka and the palace of HRH Daniel Abomtse, Chairman of Gwer West traditional council.

The violent protests were sparked by the alleged murder of three Civil Protection Guards by suspected armed herdsmen on Monday.

The guards were ambushed while on duty at On-MbaAondo, Tsambe-Mbesev Ward of the LGA. The irate mob didn’t stop at the secretariat and palace, they also razed other properties, including a hotel owned by Senator Titus Zam, who represents Benue North West in the Senate.

Protests erupted in Naka as angry youths took to the streets at 7am, sparked by the arrival of the bodies of three local security personnel murdered by suspected armed herdsmen.

The youths’ outrage wasn’t just fueled by the killings, but also by the perceived inaction of the government in addressing the relentless attacks and killings by armed herdsmen in Gwer West LGA.

A source emphasized that the protests were a manifestation of pent-up anger and frustration among the youths, who feel that the authorities have failed to protect them from the menace of armed herdsmen.

Gwer West LGA Chairman Victor Omirin confirmed that a peaceful protest by youths in Naka escalated into violence when hoodlums took over, burning down the local government secretariat and the Ter Nagi’s palace.

The crisis began when three members of the Civil Protection Guards were murdered by armed herdsmen in Gyaluwa community, sparking outrage among the youths when their bodies were brought to Naka for burial.

According to Special Adviser to the Governor on Internal Security, Chief Joseph Har, the attacked community is the home of the security adviser to the governor, Col. Alex Ashungyu, retd.

Har acknowledged that the secretariat was burnt and that the protesters proceeded to Abomtse’s palace and Zam’s hotel, but he had not received further updates.

HRH Daniel Abomtse, Chairman of Gwer West Traditional Council, confirmed that his palace was set ablaze, along with vehicles and motorcycles, while he was away for a medical check-up. He has since returned to Naka.