Community clash in Benue leaves many dead, houses burnt

A communication clash between Ochoro and Bonta communities of Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State has left many dead. 

The military had in April ransacked the Bonta community after the killing of 12 soldiers who were there to quell the crisis in the area. 

But after peace was restored a fresh rivalry broke out between the communities on Monday. 

About 50 houses were reportedly razed in the crisis. 

A witness from Konshisha told Daily Trust  that the renewed crisis could be an offshoot of the age-long rift between Bonta and Ukpute. 

“The lingering Bonta-Ukpute crisis escalated on Monday at Ochoro with Tiv militia attacking the community.” 

“Over 30 women and kids were massacred. And over 50 houses were razed. Ochoro is a neighboring community of Bonta and Ukpute. It is a community in Oju that has no issue with neither Bonta nor the militia.” 

However, the Chairman of Oju LGA, Clement Onaa, told journalists in Makurdi, the state capital, that he was aware of the crisis and had called his Konshisha colleague to commiserate with him. 

“The attack of yesterday (Tuesday) was not in Oju but Konshisha, though, Ochoro community is dominated by Igede people One thing you must know is that Oju and Obi people who are of Igede live in Gwer East and even Konshisha LGAs or any other Tiv areas.” 

The Council Chairman of Konshisha, James Ijirgba, also confirmed the fresh crisis to journalists. 

“I’m aware of the crisis but it is still a rumour until I hear from the DPO who promised to get details and brief me but I have not heard from him, you know that the place is far from the LG headquarters.”