In Benue State, local government leaders from Oju and Obi have taken action following a violent confrontation between two communities that forced residents to flee their homes. The conflict involved the Ukpute settlement in Oju and the Adiko community in Obi.
Hon. Ominyi Jackson Adah, chairman of Oju Local Government, and his Obi counterpart, Hon. Silas Odeh, personally traveled to the Ukpute area in Ainu Ette after the violence erupted earlier this week. Their visit aimed to calm tensions and restore peace.
According to local accounts, the trouble started on Monday when a woman from Ukpute was allegedly assaulted and severely wounded while farming. This incident reportedly provoked a retaliatory action by young men from Ukpute, resulting in the capture of 19 individuals.
In response, the council chairmen coordinated with security forces, including the military and police, to bring the situation under control. Their efforts led to the successful rescue and return of all those taken.
During their visit, the chairmen urged residents to remain calm and avoid any further acts of revenge that could worsen the situation. They emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence.
Meanwhile, the Omi Ny’Igede Youth Wing Development Association (ONYDA) Worldwide is calling on the Benue State Government and federal agencies like SEMA and NEMA to deliver urgent humanitarian aid to the displaced. The group highlighted that many families lack food, shelter, and medical care due to the disruption.
The clash underscores ongoing tensions in parts of Benue, often fueled by land and boundary disputes. Authorities continue to stress the importance of dialogue and early intervention to prevent such conflicts from escalating. Security personnel remain stationed in the area to maintain peace.