millions of naira destroyed in a renewed communal clash that ensued
between residents of Ojantele and Ijegwu communities in Otukpo and Obi
local government areas of Benue State. The crisis, which broke out
between the border communities on Tuesday night, followed a land
dispute adjoining the warring neighbours.
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
erupted between his constituents and the neighbouring Ijegwu community
in Obi Local Government Area. Supporting the motion, Honourable Nick
Eworo, who represents Obi constituency, regretted that the communities
had, in the last 10 years, been hostile to each other .Meanwhile,
Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ezeala, said he
was yet to be briefed on the crisis.