The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the death of three people and the destruction of property following a communal clash at Taraku, Gwer East Local Government Area of the state.
The incident which happened around 4:30 a.m. on Monday, reportedly began after the killing of one Jacob Kwaghgba, a 41-year-old member of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard.
According to a post shared on X on Tuesday by security analyst, Zagazola Makama, Kwaghgba was attacked and stabbed by some locals while making inquiries in the community.
He was later rushed to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, where he 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 a 25-year-old man, Fidelis Aondohemba, who was shot dead.
Three houses and a rice mill were also set ablaze during the violence.
Troops of the Nigerian Army, alongside the police and personnel of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, were deployed to the area to restore order.
The police confirmed that calm has since returned to the community, while efforts are ongoing to arrest those responsible for the attack.
