10 feared dead as Benue communities clash

ABOUT 10 persons were feared dead,with property
worth millions of naira destroyed in a renewed
hostility between inhabitants of Ojantele and Ijegwu
communities in Otukpo and Obi local government
areas of Benue State.
Nigerian Tribune learnt that fighting erup-ted
between the border communities on Tuesday night,
following a land dispute adjoining the warring
neighbours.
The source said that houses, huts and farmland were
not spared by the warring communities, leading to
the displacement of villagers.
The state Commissioner for Finance, Mr Omadachi
Oklobia, confirmed the death of two of his cousins
when he appeared before the state assembly to give
the position of the state finance on Wednesday.
The representatives of the communities prayed the
House of Assembly, through a motion, to call on the
state Commissioner of Police, Mr Christopher Katso,
to deploy his officers and men in the crisis zone, in
order to restore law and order in the communities.
Honourable Baba Ode, representing Otukpo/Akpa
constituency, who raised the motion on Wednesday
at the floor of the assembly, informed the members
that he received a phone call on Tuesday night,
intimating him that fighting had erupted between his
constituents and the neighbouring Ijegwu
community in Obi Local Government Area.
Supporting the motion, Honourable Nick Eworo, who
represents Obi state constituency, regretted that the
communities had, in the last 10 years, been hostile
to each other.
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations
Officer, Daniel Ezeala, said he was yet to be briefed
on the crisis.