80-year-old woman lost her life as fire engulfed Tse-Agubor Gyaruwa in Tsambee-Mbesev Council Ward, Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
The inferno, which reportedly began around 10 am on Sunday, consumed 50 houses, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Chief Ayatse Agubor, the head of the affected village, revealed that the fire started while villagers were away on their farms.
Tragically, the elderly victim, unable to seek assistance due to the absence of people, perished in the flames.
Agubor attributed the blaze to unauthorized bush burning, issuing a stern warning to the community’s youth against engaging in such practices.
Hajia Kongo, a villager who suffered significant losses, lamented the destruction of her home, which included over 10 bags of maize, soya beans, clothes, and N110,000 concealed within the burnt corn bags.
Urgently seeking aid, she appealed to both individuals and the government for assistance.
Caretaker Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Henry Agba, expressed the council’s intolerance for unwanted bush burning and announced plans to dispatch a team to assess the extent of the destruction. The findings will be reported to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for further action.
Despite attempts to obtain information, the Police Spokeswoman for Benue Command, SP. Catherine Anene, remained unresponsive to calls and messages concerning the tragic incident.