Five persons are said to have been wounded, 46 houses destroyed following violent clashes between Adamate and Buna communities both in Mbayion, Gboko local government area of Benue state.
It was learnt that the crisis which is over a disputed piece of land has lingered for several years, with both communities claiming ownership of the land.
It was further learnt that the crisis took a different dimension when youth of both communities few days ago took weapons against each other. It resulted in burning down of over 46 houses, and injuring of five persons.
A resident of the area who spoke to Blueprint on condition of anonymity lamented what he described as “the monstrous dimension of the crisis which he blamed on the laxity of the traditional rulers in whose domain is the orgy of the violence.”
He said when the crisis of the two warring families took different dimensions following a court judgment over the disputed piece of land, there were efforts by the past traditional rulers to address the issue.
He said hope for peace was dashed with the emergence of the new leaders who made the earlier efforts made for peace impossible.
If there is still serious tension in the area and if something is not done urgently, the situation will escalate beyond control, he stated.
He urged the Benue state government, security agencies and well meaning Benue people to move fast and put an end to the crisis.
Benue state Police command spokesperson, SP Sewuese Anene, who confirmed the crisis said investigation into the matter has already commenced.