3 killed in Benue community

At least three people have been reportedly killed and several properties destroyed following a communal crisis that erupted in the Taraku community of Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State. Locals said that the incident, which occurred around 4:30 am on Monday, was triggered by the killing of a 41-year-old member of the Benue […]

At least three people have been reportedly killed and several properties destroyed following a communal crisis that erupted in the Taraku community of Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State.

Locals said that the incident, which occurred around 4:30 am on Monday, was triggered by the killing of a 41-year-old member of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guard (BSCVG), Jacob Kwaghgba.

Kwaghgba was reportedly attacked and stabbed by some hoodlums while making inquiries in the area.

He was later rushed to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, where he died while receiving treatment.

It was gathered that his death triggered a reprisal attack by alleged relatives, resulting in the killing of an 80-year-old woman, Mrs. Luna Aeer, who was burnt to death in her home, and a 25-year-old man, Fidelis Aondohemba, who was shot dead.

The incident, according to the locals, further led to the setting ablaze of three houses and a rice mill in the violence before troops of the Nigerian Army, police, and personnel of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guard moved in to restore calm.

The police spokesperson for the Benue command, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident to journalists in Makurdi, saying normalcy has since returned to the area.

Edet added that investigations are ongoing to apprehend those behind the killings.