Some gunmen attacked Ikpomolokpo palace in Gege ward of Ado Local Government Area in Benue State early on Monday, killing the son of the monarch.
The assailants abducted the daughter of the traditional ruler.
It was learnt that villagers heard several gunshots coming from the residence of the palace.
Chairman of the local government area, Chief James Oche, who confirmed the incident to journalists in Makurdi, said, “Some gunmen at about 2am today (Monday) entered into the residence of the clan head of Ipomoloko through the fence and asked for the wife of the clan head from the son whose name is Thompson.
“The young man told them that he did not know the whereabouts of his mother and they shot him dead and they now took the sister away.”
The council chairman said though he alerted troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), the gunmen had gone into Atiga forest before they arrived, Daily Trust reports.
He, however, added that the troops had launched a manhunt for the gunmen.