Several houses set on fire in renewed communal crisis
A renewed communal clash in Benue State has left many houses and properties worth millions burnt in the state.
It was gathered that the clash broke out over the weekend between two communities in Ikpayongo of Gwer East Local Government Area of the state.
According to reports, the clash was between the -Mbakume (Mbaivur) and Mbasombo people in the state, but it escalated on Tuesday as the market in the community was set ablaze amid sporadic gunshots.
Residents took refuge in a church in the community.
Immediate past governor of the state, Samuel Ortom, during his tenure reportedly tried different options to restore peace, including suspending the traditional rulers of the communities, but all efforts he made were to no avail.
The police also initiated dialogues to end the crisis but it continued unabated.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the latest incident, saying houses were burnt.
Anene added that the situation was under control as operatives of the command had been drafted to quell the crisis.
