Man, 32, killed in Benue communal clash

From: Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

At least One person was at the weekend allegedly killed with two others badly injured following a renewed communal clashes that erupted in Tyo – Mu settlement of Makurdi Benue state.
The crisis also led to burning of many houses and other valuable properties worth millions of naira, while several people have deserted the frequently troubled settlement.
Our correspondent reported that many residents were seen fleeing the settlement with mattress and women with children on their backs heading towards the Nigerian AirForce Base Makurdi to take refuge.
It was gathered from a source in the area, that trouble started when an Iharev man said to be an indigene attacked a Kparev, a settler, found to moulding block at the bank of River Benue which is said to belong to the indigenes.
He said before the settler could said anything, another person from nowhere shot his leg.
The source who identified himself as Agbe Msughter, explained that the gunshots attracted attention of troops of OPWS who were stationed around the area.
“The troops rushed to the area and in the process of chasing those who came to attack the man, they shot and killed one of them, injured two others.
“This crisis has be on among Tiv groups in the area who have been claiming ownership of land in this settlement and the crisis had led to the death of so many people. Just this week, a senior officer with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC Benue state Command was killed and now another crisis had broke out again.
“ Thank God for the quick intervention of troops of OPWS and the Security Adviser to Governor Samuel Ortom Lt. Col. Paul Hemba”, Msughter stated.
When contacted, the Force commander, operation whirl stroke, Major General, Adeyemi Yekini confirmed the renewed communal clash saying his troops are on ground.
“The situation is under control and we are on ground to make sure no group rises against one another. That is all I can say please thanks”, Yekini said.
Also, the Benue state Command Public Relations Officer DSP Catherine Anene confirmed the renewed fight, stating that the command had drafted adequate police personnel to the area to avert further crisis.