Five killed in Tiv/Jukun clash in Benue

Five people were reported killed in a renewed ethnic clash between  Tiv and Jukun tribes in the early hours of Thursday in  Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

Inside sources told the Tribune Online that some suspected Jukun militia from Taraba State had invaded a village named Gyenku, with some people injured and houses set ablaze.

The chairman of the local government, Mr Tor-Tyokaa Ibellogo confirmed the attack but said that no house was destroyed, adding that the alleged attackers only came to kill.

ALSO READ: Another final year student of UNN commits suicide

The chairman said that the attackers invaded the village very early in the morning as the people were on their way to their farms.

“They killed five and injured a woman who is currently receiving treatment in a hospital. No house was destroyed, they only came to kill,” he said.

Ibellogo said that the joint committee on the Tiv/Jukun crisis had planned to visit him when this latest attack happened.

Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) recently intervened in the crisis between the two tribes.

When contacted, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Manager Anene could not confirm the incident, as he said that all efforts to get any information from the Divisional Police Officer and the Area Commander in charge of the jurisdiction failed.