Several houses have been destroyed and residents displaced following a renewed communal clash between communities in Gwer East and Konshisha Local Government Areas of Benue State.
The incident, which occurred over the weekend, is the latest in a series of recurring conflicts between the two communities over longstanding disputes that have persisted for the past three months.
According to sources, the violence erupted when members of the Mbaiase community in Masev, Gwer East LGA, launched a surprise attack on the Gbinde community in Mbagusa, Mbatser, Shangev-Tiev of Konshisha LGA. The attack was described as a reprisal.
The media aide to the Executive Chairman of Konshisha LGA, Terhide Fave, confirmed the incident, stating that the attack took place on Saturday evening and led to the destruction of several houses and properties. However, he noted that there were no reported casualties.
“Residents have fled the area. Many houses were burnt but I can’t ascertain the numbers now,” Fave said, adding that many families have been forced to seek refuge in neighbouring communities.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the full extent of the damage or measures being taken to prevent further escalation.
