By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Piqued by the killing of three Civil Protection Guards at the O-nmbaAondo community, Tsambe-Mbesev Ward of Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State by suspected Fulani Herdsmen, angry youths of Naka, the local government headquarters, razed down the secretariat and destroyed several other properties worth hundreds of millions of naira.
Daybreak’s findings showed that other properties destroyed include, a house belonging to a Senator representing Benue North West, Titus Zam, Ter Nagi Chief Abomtse’s palace, Gwer West Local Government Chairman’s quarters, a house owned by the former Commissioner, Ministry of Works, Benue State, Engr Felix Atume, Mue Ter’s house and a house belonging to a former Commissioner, Ministry of Education in Benue, Professor Eugene Aliegba, were burnt down by the protesters.
Checks by Daybreak Nigeria, indicates that the rampaging youths were not happy with the prominent sons of the area whose houses were destroyed over their continued silence about the attacks and killing of the people by Fulani Herdsmen. It took the intervention of the Commissioner of Police in charge of Benue Command, CP Hassan Steve Yabanet, the Military and other security operatives to bring the situation under control.
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Yabanet, while reacting to the destruction caused by the youths, promised to deploy one hundred and fifteen personnel to the area to tackle insecurity and prevent future occurrence of this heinous act.
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, condemned the killing of three Civil Protection Guards who were on duty to protect people of the area, stressing that the inhuman act carried out by marauding armed Herdsmen, is once more, a flagrant affront to peace and security in our communities.
“We appreciate the deep rage and frustration that has led to the anxiety at Naka, headquarters of Gwer West Local Government, including the regrettable burning of the local government secretariat and the palace of Ter Nagi by protesters.”
In a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the Governor implored security operatives to intensify efforts towards detecting and capturing the perpetrators of this dastardly act, noting that it is high time the marauding headers are forced to do justice to ensure that they deal with the full wrath of the law.
Chairman of Gwer East Local Government Area, Mr Victor Ornum, who condemned the incident while speaking with newsmen in Nake, promised to collaborate with security operatives to ensure that those who are culpable are brought to justice.
