A former Nigerian senator, Joseph Waku, has died.

His wife, Rosemary Waku disclosed that he passed on at the National Hospital, Abuja at the age of 72.

Mr Waku was a senator representing Benue North-West Senatorial District from 1999 to 2003.

He became a prominent member of the Arewa Consultative Forum shortly after leaving the Senate.

He hailed from Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, and was a vocal voice against the incessant killings of Tiv and other ethnic nationalities across central Nigerian by suspected herdsmen.