The Benue State Police Command has launched an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of a young woman, Miss Janet Usange, whose body was recovered from River Agbuu in Gwer East Local Government Area.
Usange was declared missing on December 11 after she reportedly left home to work on her farm in the Mbabur community, where she lived with her elder sister and brother-in-law.
According to residents, concern mounted when she failed to return later that day, prompting villagers to commence a search. During the search, her slippers, a wheelbarrow and farming implements were reportedly found on her farmland, heightening fears over her whereabouts.
Her lifeless body was eventually discovered floating in River Agbuu on Sunday by a local resident, who promptly alerted other members of the community.
The incident has reportedly sparked unrest in the area, with allegations that a house belonging to a community member was set ablaze by suspected relatives of the deceased, forcing occupants to flee to safety.
In response, community leaders and residents have appealed to security agencies and the authorities of Gwer East Local Government to intervene swiftly to avert a potential breakdown of law and order.
They also called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the death, insisting that anyone found culpable should face the full weight of the law.
Confirming the development, the Divisional Police Officer in the area said the case had been reported and that investigations were ongoing.
