The Benue State Police Command has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a young woman, Miss Janet Usange, whose body was recovered from the Agbuu River in Gwer East Local Government Area.
Usange was reported missing on December 11 after she reportedly left home to work on her farm in Mbabur community, where she lived with her elder sister and brother-in-law.
According to residents, concern increased when she did not return that same day, prompting villagers to begin a search. His slippers, a wheelbarrow and farming implements were reportedly found on his farmland during the search, raising fears over his whereabouts.
His lifeless body was eventually discovered floating in the Agbuu River on Sunday by a local resident, who quickly alerted other members of the community.
The incident has reportedly sparked unrest in the area, with allegations that alleged relatives of the deceased set fire to a house belonging to a member of the community, forcing the occupants to flee to safety.
In response, community leaders and residents have appealed to security agencies and local government authorities in Gwer East to intervene quickly to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order.
They also called for a full and impartial investigation into the death, insisting that anyone found guilty should face the full weight of the law.
Confirming the incident, the divisional police officer of the area said that the case had been reported and investigations were ongoing.