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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
A land dispute between the Amla people of Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA) and the Okete people of Ohimini LGA in Benue state has resulted in the deaths of three people and the destruction of property worth millions of naira.
The dispute, which has been ongoing for several years, escalated over the weekend, leading to the deaths of one person from Amla and two from Okete. Over 17 houses and 10 motorcycles were also reportedly burnt to ashes.
The Otukpo Chairman, Mr Alfred Omakwu, blames the Okete people for initiating the violence, claiming they opened fire on workers who were developing the disputed land.
However, the Ohimini Chairman, Mr Samson Okoh, accuses the Otukpo Chairman of destroying the farm crops of his people with bulldozers, leading to the escalation. He also claims that the Och’Idoma, the traditional ruler of the Idoma people, did not inform him that his people should stop farming on the disputed land.
Following the violence, a peace meeting was held with the state Commissioner of Police, CP Hassan Yabanet, where both parties agreed to cooperate in apprehending the perpetrators.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Catherine Anene confirmed the incident and stated that one person was initially reported dead.
