Houses set ablaze as Gwer East, Konshisha communities clash in Benue

A fresh communal clash has erupted between residents of Mbaiase community in Gwer East Local Government Area and Igbinde village in Konshisha LGA, Benue State, leading to the burning of several houses and widespread destruction of property.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the incident in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday. According to him, the confrontation began around 9:30 a.m. on Saturday when suspected militias from Mbaiase allegedly launched an attack on Igbinde, a village under the Mbagusa/Mbatser Council Ward of Konshisha LGA.

Sources cited by Makama reported that several thatched houses were set ablaze and valuables destroyed during the early-morning attack. However, no casualties have been confirmed as of the time of reporting.

In a swift response, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, supported by other security personnel, were deployed to the scene to prevent further violence and restore calm.

Efforts to de-escalate the situation are currently underway, with traditional rulers and local council chairmen from both LGAs engaging in dialogue to resolve the renewed hostilities and establish a lasting peace.

Meanwhile, confidence-building patrols and surveillance operations have been intensified in the affected areas to prevent possible reprisals and maintain security.