Communal Crisis Claims Lives: Benue Govt Enforces Curfew Amid Rampant Violence

EKO HOT BLOG reports that a curfew has been imposed on Oju town in Benue state following three separate communal crises in Gwer and Oju Local Government Areas (LGAs), resulting in the loss of three lives.

The clashes between warring parties led to the destruction of numerous houses and food storage facilities, causing injuries and displacements.

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One of the conflicts in Gwer LGA reignited between neighboring Mbasombo and Mbaivur communities, triggered by a reprisal attack.

An anonymous resident disclosed that his private residence, located less than 10km from Makurdi town, was destroyed in a previous crisis.

The recent violence erupted when a member of Mbaivur was allegedly killed by Mbasombo youths while working on his farm. Seeking justice, Mbaivur youths demanded that the perpetrators be identified. Earlier, five individuals from Mbaivur had been killed by Mbasombo youths in a previous incident.

During the burial of the man killed on the farm, the alleged assailants opened fire in Mbaivur, resulting in injuries and property damage. Reprisals took place in Mbasombo, with houses and the market being set ablaze. The ongoing conflict between these communities, despite peace initiatives, is disheartening.

In Oju LGA, two lives were lost in a violent clash between the youths of Ibilla and Oju communities over the ownership of land where a private tertiary institution was to be established.

Prof. Johnson Agbenya, an academic from Ibilla based in Australia, had brought the university to the area, and disputes over the land led to the killings and the burning of houses, cars, and motorbikes.

The Benue State government has implemented a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the affected communities, and the police have arrested 21 individuals in connection with the crises.

During a visit to the affected areas, the Benue State Deputy Governor expressed shock at the extent of the destruction and condemned the actions of the youths.

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A judicial commission of inquiry has been established to investigate the cause of the incidents. The First Class Chief of the area expressed dismay and gratitude to the Governor for the swift response.

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