From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Benue elders resident in Kaduna State have appealed to Igede and Idoma people of Benue State to sheath the sword and  embrace peace among themselves for even development and progress in the State.
Recall that three persons were reportedly killed penultimate Monday after a disagreement between youths of Obi and Otukpo local government areas of Benue State over a disconnected electricity supply.
Trouble was said to have started on the fateful day when the youths from the Ijegwu community of Obi LGA allegedly accused their counterparts of Ojantele in Otukpo of tampering with the high tension electricity supply linking both local government areas after noticing a 4-day blackout in their vicinity.
However, in a joint press Statement by  Igede and Idoma Communities resident in Kaduna on  the communal clashes, they expressed sadness over the violent clashes.
The statement issued on Friday was signed by Elders Ejoga Inalegwu and Sunday Oibe on behalf of Idoma and Igede people respectively.
According to the statement, “We are saddened by the violent clashes between youth from some communities in Obi and Otukpo Local Government Areas of Benue state which occurred on Monday, March 13, 2023, resulting in loss of lives and destruction of property worth millions of naira.
“We condemn this primitive and lawless  act in the strongest term. To say the least, we are perplexed by the destruction of lives and property in the most horrifying manner over an issue that could have been resolved by the electricity company and community leaders from both sides.
“It is baffling that the Igede people in Obi LGA and their Idoma brothers in Otukpo LGA could resort to the brutal attack on each other over a misunderstanding on  electricity to supply.
“Violence has never been a solution to any dispute or disagreement, rather it costs pains and destroys friendship and brotherhood that existed over the years.
This is unacceptable and must not be allowed to repeat itself anywhere in Benue state.
“We appeal to the youth to be calm and desist  from taking the laws into their hands. Trust, peace, harmony and a sense of community among the two ethnic groups had been shattered by this incident and everything must be done mend the broken relationship.
“Community, religious and political leaders from both sides  must rise  to the occasion  by ensuring the return of peace and avoid the escalation of the violence.
“Benue state has suffered so much in the hands of invading terrorists and we cannot afford any form of communal clash at this trying moments in our lives.
Igede and Idoma are brothers.
“Why should we resort to brutality against each other over issues that could have been amicably resolved?. We appealed to the youths from both sides, to calm down and embrace peace.
“The Benue state government must not allow the unfortunate incident to degenerate. The government should ensure the deployment of security to the affected communities to stop any attempt to escalate the situation.
“We also called on the state government  to thoroughly investigate the incident and bring the culprits to justice to serve as a deterrent to others”.