Houses burnt in fresh Makurdi communal clash
Several houses were burnt and some people allegedly missing yesterday after a 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.
The crisis which erupted barely three weeks ago and resulted to loss of lives, took another dimension early hours of yesterday when the vicinity, popularly known as Airport Village, came under attack by arsonists who set many houses on fire.
The residents alleged that at least 20 or more houses were torched, 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 yesterday morning by youths from the troubled community who marched in protest to his palace.
“They (youths) told me that several houses were burnt. They also alleged that some persons were missing but I’m yet to confirm that. I 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,” Abenga said.
The Benue State Police Command’s spokesman, Moses Joel Yamu, said four people had been arrested in connection with the matter.
The latest crisis was sequel to the trouble which began about 3pm on May 22 between two young men at a drinking joint in the market located within the affected area before it degenerated into a tribal concern.