Anger boiled over in Gwarzo Local Government Area on Sunday as young protesters set fire to a section of the council secretariat, venting their fury at persistent insecurity.
What began as a peaceful march quickly turned violent when demonstrators, fed up with repeated bandit raids, stormed the government building. Witnesses reported that thick smoke billowed from the blaze, prompting panic among residents and bystanders who fled the area.
One local stated that frustration had been simmering for weeks due to the authorities’ failure to curb attacks. “People are exhausted from living in dread. The assaults are too frequent, and there is no decisive action. That is why the youth resorted to this,” he explained.
Another resident urged calm, noting that destroying public assets would only compound the problem. “While we grasp the anger, violence is not the answer. What is needed is conversation and urgent security measures,” he added.
Security personnel were later dispatched to Gwarzo to reestablish order and avert further chaos, as officials launched an inquiry into the incident.