Benue State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on warring communities in Oju local area of the state.
WikkiTimes learnt that the clash between Ibilla and Oju clans had led to the loss of lives and property. A resident who pleaded anonymity told our reporter that several houses including that of a council chairman were burnt to ashes.
Franklin Oga, another resident said the warring communities are fighting over land ownership. According to him, the clash started on Sunday and had displaced many residents.
The state governor, Hycienth Alia, however, declared a curfew between 6 pm to 6 am in the local government. He said military operatives were deployed to the affected areas to restore law and order and maintain peace.
MEANWHILE, a similar incident on Tuesday led to the arson of several houses in a communal clash in Ikpayongo of Gwer East local council.
A resident of the community, Mary Samuel, told our reporter the crisis was due to renewed hostility between Mbakume (Mbaivur) and Mbasombo clans when a burial was about to be conducted. One of the communities accused the other that they killed their kinsmen with witchcraft.
She said the Gwer East market was burnt amid heavy shooting while locals were seeking refuge in neighbouring communities and the state capital, Makurdi.
It can be recalled that the immediate past governor of the state, Samuel Ortom, had once suspended traditional rulers suspected to be complicit in the crisis.
Confirming the incident, Catherine Anene, spokesperson for Benue Police Command noted that security men had been deployed to the area to restore normalcy.
