Benue: 23-year-old man killed after fight with neighbour over palm fruit

A disagreement over palm fruit harvesting has turned deadly in Benue State, leaving a 23-year-old man dead.

The incident was reported to security authorities by Godwin Oraade, 43, of Pass Brother Community in Guma Local Government Area. He alleged that his younger brother, David Oraade, was assaulted on February 16 at about 2:20 p.m.

Sources disclosed that the altercation began after David confronted a neighbour, identified as 30-year-old Felix Cephas, accusing him of picking palm fruits from trees belonging to their family.

What started as a verbal dispute reportedly degenerated into a fight, during which the suspect allegedly inflicted serious injuries on the victim.

David was rushed to Benue State University Teaching Hospital for medical attention but was later pronounced dead while receiving treatment. His remains have since been deposited in the hospital’s morgue.

Police said the suspect fled shortly after the incident and remains at large.

Authorities added that efforts are ongoing to track him down, while investigations into the matter have commenced.