On Sunday night, a tragic incident unfolded in the North Bank Area of Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, resulting in the loss of lives and the destruction of several houses.
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This incident seemed to mark the resurgence of cult killings and a communal clash between the Tiv and Jukun communities in Makurdi.
The unrest began on Sunday evening and continued into the following day, with tensions escalating during the Easter Monday morning.
According to an eyewitness who narrowly escaped the violence, the crisis was sparked by the alleged murder of two young individuals by a suspected cult group.
As the situation worsened, it transformed into a full-blown conflict between the Tiv and Jukun tribes, both of which hold significant influence in the region.
The eyewitness further revealed that numerous houses belonging to members of both communities were set ablaze, resulting in the destruction of valuable properties worth millions of naira.
The chairman of Makurdi Local Government Area, James Dwem, personally visited the affected area on Monday morning to assess the situation and confirmed the incident to journalists in Makurdi.
In response to the escalating violence, the Benue Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, was seen patrolling the area with a team of officers, aiming to restore peace and ensure the safety of the residents.
However, the situation has caused widespread fear among the local population, leading many to flee the area in anticipation of potential reprisal attacks.
The aftermath of this tragic event highlights the urgent need for measures to address the underlying issues and prevent further loss of lives and property.
