Communal clash: Benue CP deploys police operatives, vows to bring perpetrators to book

The Commissioner of Police in Benue State Command, Wale Abass has deployed police teams to Mbasmbo and Mbaivur Communities in Gwer-East Local Government Area of the state to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

The police commissioner also vowed to bring perpetrators of the dastardly act to book.

It will be recalled that the Mbasmbo and Mbaivur Communities had a protracted disagreement over land, resulting in the latest clash which reportedly left two dead.

Before the recent clash, Thenewsbearer learnt that efforts had been made to restore peace in the area, with a series of meetings held in the past two years for a peaceful resolution.

The crisis, which broke out again two days ago over the disputed farmland, also led to the burning of houses and food barns in the two communities while several families fled their homes for fear of being killed.

It was gathered that a patient standing in front of a hospital was reportedly shot while attempting to escape from the exchange of fire by the warring parties.

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, in Makurdi, the Police Public Relations Officer, SO Catherine Anene, said that information was received that on February 28, some persons burnt down the house of one late DSP Emmanuel Agber, at Ikpayongo.

“A reaction from other members of the community led to the destruction of other houses and two persons lost their lives.

“The state Commissioner of Police, Wale Abbas, who is miffed by the lawless behaviour of members of these communities despite efforts of the Benue State government, the police and other stakeholders to maintain the peace, condemned this mischievous act and has deployed police teams to the area to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

 “He has also reiterated his commitment to bringing to book perpetrators of this dastardly act,” the PPRO said.

She stated further that CP Abass advocated alternative dispute resolution strategies to be adopted to resolve matters by people who speak the same language, rather than engaging in violence that would destroy lives and property.

Meanwhile, another round of dialogue had been scheduled with leaders of the two warring communities.