Tension is escalating in Benue State following the murder of two middle-aged men, Jonathan Ogah and Gabriel Ogodo, from Oju Local Government Area, by alleged Tiv youths in Gwer East LGA. The victims were waylaid and killed on the Oju-Awajir road while traveling to Makurdi.
The murder has heightened tension between the Igede-speaking people of Oju and Obi LGAs and their neighboring Tiv communities in Gwer East and Konshisha LGAs, who have a longstanding dispute over farmland ownership.
Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the killing and issued a 48-hour ultimatum to security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators. He also directed security agencies to investigate a separate attack on Nyifon community in Buruku LGA.
Senator Abba Moro, representing Benue South Senatorial District, condemned the killing, describing it as barbaric and dastardly. The Ito Youths Association also condemned the murder, calling for urgent investigation and justice to prevent further escalation of tension between the ethnic groups.
The association urged the Benue State Government and security agencies to protect lives and property and ensure peaceful coexistence between neighboring communities.
