CRIME 3 killed, houses burnt in Makurdi communal clash
At least three people have been killed and several houses burnt yesterday after 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 gathered that trouble started about 3pm on Monday between two young men at a drinking joint in the market located within the affected area before it degenerated into a tribal concern.
Another version said that a Tiv man who sells rodent dispeller had asked a lady near his shop to watch his wares as he went to change certain amount of money to settle a customer.
It was alleged that on return, the rodent retailer raised suspicion that his chemicals might have been stolen as the lady was no where in sight but the young Jukun men who were drinking close to the shop replied him in anger during which process fight ensued between them.
Our correspondent visited the area and spoke to the residents including Elder Hassan Adam who alleged that three people were killed while 52 people were injured in the scuffle which gradually became communal as both tribes took sides despite the earlier efforts by traditional heads, vigilante and police to manage the situation.
Some of the houses were still ablaze as at between 11: 30 am and 1:45pm yesterday with over 10, 000 displaced from their home, many of whom were seen moving out their belongings from the area.
But, the State Commissioner of Police, Bashir Makama, has confirmed one dead and 17 suspects arrested in connection with the incident, adding that more policemen have been deployed to forestall further breakdown of law and order.
Governor Samuel Ortom also paid on the spotassessment visit to the area and condemned the crisis in totality, wondered why a mere argument which started at a drinking joint could snowball into such communal magnitude.
Ortom said his government would ensure that the perpetrators of the act are brought to book as he appealed to the inhabitants to return back to their homes, following the multiple presence of security operatives drafted to the area.
Meanwhile a melodrama occurred at the bank of the river Benue while the governor was been conducted around the market, affected vicinity and its surroundings as some of those suspected to have crossed the river to unleash terror fired gunshots severally from their hideout around the place.