Houses burnt in fresh Makurdi communal clash

Several houses were burnt and some people declared missing on Wednesday after fresh fight broke out between Tiv and Jukun people at Fidi suburb opposite the Tactical Air Command of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Makurdi.

Daily Trust reports that the crisis which erupted barely three weeks ago and led to loss of lives took another dimension early hours of today when the vicinity, popularly known as airport village suddenly came under attack by arsonists who set many houses on fire.

The residents alleged that at least 20 or more houses were torched in the fresh fracas including that of the Kindred Head of Kyurav, Uor Adi.

But the paramount traditional ruler of Makurdi Local Government Area, Ter Makurdi II, Dr. Sule Abenga, told our correspondent that the matter was reported to him on this morning by youths from the troubled community who marched in protest to his palace.

“They (youths) told me that several houses were burnt including that of my Kindred Head. They also alleged that some persons were missing but I’m yet to confirm that. I calmed them and urged them to exercise patience while I go to Gboko to brief the Tor Tiv about the development.

“I have just returned from Gboko and the Tor Tiv expressed need for calm so that the government could intervene in the matter. I have related the Tor Tiv message back to them and they have promised to remain calm,” Abenga said.

When contacted, Benue State Police Command’s spokesman, Moses Joel Yamu, confirmed the incident, adding that four people have been arrested in connection with the matter.

The latest crisis was sequel to the trouble which began about 3pm on Monday, May 22, 2017 between two young men at a drinking joint in the market located within the affected area before it degenerated into a tribal concern.