28 Killed As Benue Communal Clashes Intensify

About 28 people were killed in some communities in the Ado local government area of Benue State as a result of communal clashes. 

28 persons, mostly women and children, were reportedly killed as a result of the clannish issue, which is said to have originated in the state of Ebonyi before spreading to Benue villages.

James Oche, the local government's chairman said on Wednesday that the issue began when a group of people in Ebonyi town decided to terrorize Benue villages in response to their shrine being desecrated.

According to Oche, the problem started in Ebonyi State before spreading to the Ezza village in neighbouring Benue State.

Communities in the states of Ebonyi and Benue have been at odds with one another for centuries. 

The council boss added that one of the largest markets in the Ezza community in the local government was destroyed.

“The crisis is between Effunn and Ezza people, the crisis started in Ebonyi state and escalated to communities in Benue State.

“What I heard was that someone from one of the communities desecrated one of their shrines and instead of settling their crisis in Ebonyi they moved the crisis to Benue where over 28 people have been killed on this side as of the last count today.

Oche said that security men have been deployed to the affected areas but regretted the loss of lives.

“Women and children were killed and property worth several millions of naira destroyed.

"For instance, at Ulayi ward they sacked five of the 10 council wards and the second largest market in the council was destroyed.