More than 15 people have reportedly lost their lives, and numerous houses were set ablaze following a renewed communal clash between Mbakine and Ojumole communities in Gwer-East Local Government Area of Benue State.
Sources indicate that the conflict flared up over the weekend after a minor dispute between two youths at a marketplace spiraled out of control, resulting in significant bloodshed and widespread property destruction in Ojumole.
The clash involved the Igede and Tiv-speaking communities, who have coexisted peacefully in the area for over a century.
The Igede National Youth Leader, Andyson Egbodo, confirmed the incident and expressed deep shock over the extent of the violence and loss of lives.
Egbodo said: “We are shocked about what happened.
“The incident happened in Gwer East between Ojumole and Mbakine communities in the LGA.
“In that LGA, the Akpacha Council Ward is an Igede speaking community and they have all been living peacefully like brothers and sisters with their Tiv neighbours for over 100 years without any crisis.
“That is why everyone is shocked about what happened, which started as a minor disagreement; it was uncalled for.
“It all started on Friday and escalated to Saturday. The entire of Ojumole was burnt down, 15 persons were killed, including women and children.”
Efforts to obtain confirmation from the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful, as repeated calls to her mobile phone went unanswered.
