April 1, 2024
Two persons have been reported killed and 70 houses razed in a cult clash, which turned into a communal strife between Tiv and Jukun youths in the Veterinary area, NorthBank, Makurdi, Benue state capital .
The incident, which started on Sunday evening stretched into Monday morning .
An eyewitness, Fidelis Oryiman, who narrowly escaped death, told The Nation the bloody crisis started as cult clash where two youths were hacked to death .
But as the crisis lingered into the night, it turned into a communal strife between Tiv and Jukuns tribe who populated the areas .
Oryiman said: “Houses belonging to both Tiv and Jukun were set ablaze with property with millions destroyed.”
Chairman of Makurdi Local Government Area , Hon James Dwem, who visited the crisis area on Monday morning, confirmed the incident to our correspondent .
Dwem appealed to the warring tribes to lay down their arms and embrace peace .
As of press tims, Benue Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Adesina was seen patrolling the area with a team of officers.
The Nation gathered residents of Alia fled the area for fear of reprisal attacks.
