Communal Clashes: Many feared Killed, Houses Razed In Benue

An unspecified number of persons have been feared killed while property worth of millions have been destroyed in a fresh conflict between Mbaivur and Mbasomb clans in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State.

The long age clashes between the two communities, we learnt has proved unresolved despite government's intervention over the years.

In 2021, the crisis happened about seven times with many killed and several property destroyed.

The Nation reports revealed that the current crisis was instigated between both clans due to claim of ownership over the land.

Paul Newman, a taxi driver who is a resident in Ikpayongo told newsmen that: "Some people who claimed to be indigenes launched blistering attacks on the so called settlers and bloody violence ensured with many houses set ablaze.”

Ikpayongo town is the epic zone of the crisis.
Many houses had been razed in the town and residents are fleeing from the danger zone in their numbers.

The State Police Command spokesperson, SP Kate, revealed that the strife started last week, adding that security operatives have been deployed to the area.

Ikpayongo town is a suburb of Makurdi which is located about 6km on Makurdi- Enugu road.