Five butchered as Benue, Cross River communities clash

No fewer than five persons were allegedly murdered in an intra-state war between Cross River and Benue States.

The war started on early hours of Wednesday between the people of Tsar Community in Vandickya Local Government Area of Benue State and Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River.

An eyewitness, who refused to be named, said that the war, which became fiery had allegedly consumed five youths in Cross River axis while property worth’s several thousands of naira were destroyed.

“The war was between Tsar Community in Vandiekya LGA of Benue State and Obudu in Cross River. The students of Federal College of Education (FCE) Obudu and some villagers have deserted the areas for safety.”

He said the war occurred in Governor of Cross River State (Prof Ben Ayade)’s local government area. “As I am talking to you, the Governor is not in the state but his country home was burning,” he lamented.

The Permanent Secretary in the Governor’s office, who oversees Security in the state, Fred Mboto, confirmed the incident but declined to give actual figure of casualty.

“The Commissioner of Police in Cross River and Benue States have mobilised their personnel to the volatile areas and peace is gradually returning to the place.”

When DAILY POST contacted the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Irene Ugbo on phone on Wednesday, she said, “I am aware of the clash, the state commissioner of Police has directed the deployment of men to the area.

“We are still monitoring the situation and investigation on the cause of the clash was ongoing but in the interim, peace was gradually returning to the area,” he stated.