Benue crisis: State govt takes over disputed land

The Benue State Security Council has announced government’s takeover of the disputed land between Mbazerem and Mbayem/Mbaikyu kindreds of Iwarnyam District of Konshisha local government area.
Subsequently, the State Security Council has warned the warring factions to stay away from the disputed land.

Governor Samuel Ortom, who made the resolution of the Council known after the Security Council meeting at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi, said the decision had become necessary to prevent further crisis in the area.
We reports that no fewer than 54 houses have been razed and several persons rendered homeless in a communal clash that ensued between Mbamar and Ugambe communities in Konshisha LGA of Benue State over a piece of land.
The war, it was gathered has been on for more than three months but escalated during the weekend when youths from Ugambe community allegedly attacked a resident of Mbamar and butchered him.
Consequently, the Governor announced the suspension of the District Head of Iwarnyam, Chief Unaha Koko and the kindred heads of Mbazerem and Mbayem/Mbaikyu, Anongo Tema and Atser Kor.

He said the committee headed by Secretary to the Benue State Government, Professor Anthony Ijohor, SAN, has been constituted to look into the crisis and make recommendations to government for further action.
Governor Ortom disclosed that 41 suspects had already been arrested and were being interrogated by the State Police Command.
He said the three suspended traditional rulers will also be interrogated by the Police. The Governor reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to tackling crime in all parts of the state, no matter who is involved.