Youths in Naka, Benue State, on Tuesday set fire to the palace of Ter Nagi, Chief Daniel Abomtse, and parts of the Gwer West Local Government Secretariat in response to the killing of three people.

The unrest followed reports that suspected armed herders had killed three operatives of the Benue Civil Protection Guards in Garuwa, a community within the local government area.

The bodies of the victims were brought to Naka early Tuesday, triggering protests that quickly escalated into destruction.

Gwer West LGA Chairman, Victor Omirin, confirmed the incident, stating, “Yes, they burned down the secretariat and the Ter Nagi palace. Three protection guards were killed in Garuwa, and when their bodies arrived in Naka, it sparked protests, which have now been hijacked by hoodlums.”

Efforts to reach the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, for comments were unsuccessful as her phone line was unavailable.

Security forces are working to restore order in the area.