Benue communal clash: 80-year-old woman, two others killed in Taraku

Three people have reportedly lost their lives, and several houses were set ablaze following a communal clash in Taraku, Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State.

According to local sources, the violence erupted early Monday after the death of one Jacob Kwaghgba, 41, a member of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard.

Kwaghgba was said to have visited Taraku to make inquiries when he was attacked and stabbed by some residents. He was rushed to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, but later died while receiving treatment.

His death reportedly sparked a reprisal attack by his relatives, leading to the killing of an 80-year-old woman, Luna Aeer, who was burnt inside her home, and 25-year-old Fidelis Aondohemba, who was shot dead.

During the unrest, three houses and a rice mill were also destroyed by fire.

Security personnel, including troops of the Nigerian Army, the Police, and the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, have since been deployed to the area to maintain peace.

Sources confirmed that calm has been restored, while investigations are ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the violence.

As of press time, the Spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, could not be reached for confirmation.