A wave of unrest swept through Naka, the administrative center of Gwer-West Local Government Area in Benue State, as furious demonstrators torched the palace of Ter Nagi, Chief Daniel Abomtse, along with the local government secretariat.
The violent protest on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, was reportedly triggered by the killing of three State Civil Protection Guards, allegedly by armed herdsmen in Gyaruwa community.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the assailants invaded the area and brutally murdered the security personnel.
In response, their corpses were transported to Naka, fueling public outrage that quickly escalated into a large-scale demonstration.
As tensions flared, some protesters resorted to arson, setting fire to the traditional ruler’s palace and the local government headquarters.
Confirming the incident, Benue State Police spokesperson Catherine Anene stated that law enforcement officers had been deployed to restore order.
“We have received reports of an ongoing protest in Naka. The Commissioner of Police, accompanied by tactical teams, has moved to the area this morning to ensure peace is reinstated,” Anene said, assuring that further updates will be provided as the situation develops.