WHAT’S HAPPENING? Fresh Massacre Hits Benue As Many People Slaughtered, Houses Burnt, See What Vigilante Commander Exposed
Two individuals lost their lives in a recent communal conflict that erupted in North Bank, Benue State. North Bank, situated as a suburb within the Makurdi metropolis in Benue State, north- central Nigeria, became the center of unrest.
Reports indicate that numerous houses were set ablaze and residents suffered injuries during clashes between Tiv and Jukun natives on Sunday, March 31, extending into Monday, April 1.
According to Nura Umar, commander of the local vigilante group, Operation Shara (Sweep), two fatalities were confirmed in the aftermath of the violence.
Umar said: ” It’ s really bad. Many houses were burnt in Agatashi community at the river bank of old bridge around timber shade and abattoir side. It’ s a fight between Jukun and Tiv. ”
WHAT’S HAPPENING? Fresh Massacre Hits Benue As Many People Slaughtered, Houses Burnt, See What Vigilante Commander Exposed| image 6
He said: ” Two persons selling things on wheelbarrow were victims of the crisis. They were caught and killed. We buried them today. Yesterday, Sunday, they shot two people while in church. They didn’ t die; they are in the hospital. ”
As of the time of the report, Catherine Anene, the police spokesperson in Benue State, had not responded to calls made to her telephone.
Meanwhile, amidst the ongoing long- standing conflict between the Tiv and Jukun communities, the Benue State government is actively seeking a resolution to the crisis. The prolonged dispute has led to food insecurity in various parts of Benue State due to the displacement of farming communities.
Another eyewitness, who narrowly escaped death, recounted that the crisis was sparked by the alleged killing of two youths by a suspected cult group.
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A source said: ” Houses belonging to both Tiv and Jukun were set ablaze with property worth millions destroyed.”
Makurdi Local Government Area Chairman, James Dwem, who visited the crisis area on Monday morning, verified the incident to journalists in Makurdi.
Subsequently, Benue Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, was observed patrolling the area alongside a team of officers. Reports indicate that residents have fled the area due to concerns over potential reprisal attacks.
In a previous report, a violent clash between rival militia groups occurred in Gbagir community of Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, resulting in the tragic deaths of a family of seven and 38 others.
The incident left residents in fear after witnessing the gruesome violence. While many of the casualties were suspected members of the warring militias known as ” Full Fire” and “Chain,” at least 12 innocent farmers were also caught in the crossfire.
Source:
Channel