Widespread destruction has erupted across two neighboring communities in Benue State, after a volatile dispute over local burial rights triggered a wave of arson.
Youths burned down more than thirty houses, alongside vehicles, motorcycles, and essential food supplies following an escalation along the border between Mbakor in Tarka Local Government Area and nearby Agasha in Guma Local Government.
Tactical mobile units have now been deployed to the flashpoint communities to restore order and head off further retaliatory strikes.
More than thirty homes, vehicles, and essential grain reserves reduced to ashes following a sudden escalation between neighboring communities along the Tarka and Guma border.
Assessing the damage firsthand, Benue State Police Commissioner Cletus Nwadiaogu announced twenty-two arrests.
Two units of the Police Mobile Force have now been stationed to secure the area and deter further violence.
Local officials say the clash erupted over a dispute regarding a grave dug by youths from Agasha to bury a non-native resident—a move contested and blocked by youths from neighboring Apa Mbakor. While no lives were lost, the structural damage has left scores displaced.
Leadership from both local councils met with security forces, offering reassurances that community reconciliation efforts are underway to resolve the land dispute peacefully.
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Seeking to leverage traditional authority, the Police Commissioner also met with the paramount ruler of the Tiv nation, Professor James Ayatse, to solicit support in mediating grassroot conflicts.
Following the palace visit, the Commissioner inspected tactical personnel at the Gboko Area Command, instructing officers to maintain high alert across all vulnerable border communities.
Police authorities say security patrols will remain active along the Tarka-Guma axis.
Community leaders are expected to convene a joint peace summit in the coming days to formally resolve the land use and burial protocol disputes.
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(Editor: Roluke Ogundele)
