Three killed, houses burnt in Benue communal clash, as Army restore order
By: Zagazola Makama
The Benue Police Command has confirmed the death of three persons and destruction of property in a communal clash at Taraku, Gwer East Local Government Area of the state.
Sources said that the incident occurred at about 4:30 a.m. on Monday following the death of one Jacob Kwaghgba, 41, a member of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard.
Kwaghgba, who reportedly went to make inquiries in Taraku, was attacked and stabbed by some locals.
He was rushed to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, but later died while receiving treatment.
His death triggered a reprisal attack by his relatives, leading to the killing of an 80-year-old woman, Luna Aeer, who was burnt to death in her house, and one Fidelis Aondohemba, 25, who was shot dead.
Three houses and a rice mill were also set ablaze during the attack.
Nigerian army troops, police and the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, to the area to restore order.
According to the sources, normalcy has since been restored, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the perpetrators of the violence.
