3 Feared Dead, Several Missing As Tiv, Fulani Herdsmen Clash In Benue

A clash that erupted, Sunday morning, between Fulani herdsmen and Tiv natives in Adeke village, about 4 km from Maakurdi, Benue State, has led to the death of three persons, while several others were declared missing.
Crisis had weekend broken out in Adeke, after suspected Tiv youths allegedly killed over 30 cows belonging to some herdsmen residing in the area, leading to the break down of peace in the community.
It was learnt that the herdsmen who had lived in a settlement within the community had since the commencement of the crisis evacuated their children and wives to neighbouring Nasarawa State preparatory to a major onslaught.
A clash that erupted, Sunday morning, between Fulani herdsmen and Tiv natives in Adeke village, about 4 km from Maakurdi, Benue State, has led to the death of three persons, while several others were declared missing.
Crisis had weekend broken out in Adeke, after suspected Tiv youths allegedly killed over 30 cows belonging to some herdsmen residing in the area, leading to the break down of peace in the community.
It was learnt that the herdsmen who had lived in a settlement within the community had since the commencement of the crisis evacuated their children and wives to neighbouring Nasarawa State preparatory to a major onslaught.
Schools, shops and other business outlets as well as the mammy market near the mobile police barracks in the area also remained closed.
A mobile police officer who spoke to Vanguard on grounds of anonymity, said: “There is palpable tension in the entire community. Three persons have lost their lives in this crisis and many are still missing. No one is sure of the next move of the herdsmen, that is why most families have deserted their homes.”
Reacting to the development, the lawmaker representing Makurdi South constituency at the State House of Assembly, Mr. Benjamin Adanyi said: “With what we see happening in Adeke, I would not be surprised if the Fulani mercenaries decide to match into the heart of Makurdi town in the coming days.
“I strongly believe this could be an orchestrated plan by the caliphate to annihilate smaller communities and extend its influence over them.”
Also speaking, Benue state Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Archbishop Yiman Orkwar said: “A jihad has been declared on Benue State and the Federal Government seems unperturbed and people are being killed by people who have no regards for human lives.”
Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent Daniel Ezeala said security had been beefed up in the community to forestal further crisis.
Schools, shops and other business outlets as well as the mammy market near the mobile police barracks in the area also remained closed.
A mobile police officer who spoke to Vanguard on grounds of anonymity, said: “There is palpable tension in the entire community. Three persons have lost their lives in this crisis and many are still missing. No one is sure of the next move of the herdsmen, that is why most families have deserted their homes.”
Reacting to the development, the lawmaker representing Makurdi South constituency at the State House of Assembly, Mr. Benjamin Adanyi said: “With what we see happening in Adeke, I would not be surprised if the Fulani mercenaries decide to match into the heart of Makurdi town in the coming days.
“I strongly believe this could be an orchestrated plan by the caliphate to annihilate smaller communities and extend its influence over them.”
Also speaking, Benue state Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Archbishop Yiman Orkwar said: “A jihad has been declared on Benue State and the Federal Government seems unperturbed and people are being killed by people who have no regards for human lives.”
Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent Daniel Ezeala said security had been beefed up in the community to forestal further crisis.