Two persons have been reportedly killed following the outbreak of communal war between the people of Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State and their neighbors from Vandiekya Local Government of Benue State.
The war broke out on Friday when two farmers from Abonkib village and Atiekpe village in Obudu, were allegedly killed by the Tivs in their farms and their bodies were said to have been taken away.
A source said one of the Tiv war mercenaries was captured alive in the bush with a gun and “charms” and taken to Obudu Police station but was later escorted by Policemen from Obudu division back to Vandeikya.
According to the source, two Tiv men from Benue State who were in Obudu town for their usual daily hustle, were accosted by irate youths and brutally beheaded and dismembered, while a third one was rescued by the whiskers at the point of death.
He said the communal clash between the two communities have lingered for long and often triggered revenge and reprisals as it has always been the case.
“Soldiers were sent in from Utanga in Obanlikwu LGA but they haven’t been able to effectively quell the situation as tensions are still high on both sides.
“I have also noticed that the peace meeting that was held on Wednesday between the Obudu and Vandeikya Local government chairmen and security representatives, did not involve any State government official.
“I really don’t know what impact LG Chairmen can have in this matter other than just meeting and writing communiques,” the source added.
However, efforts to confirm the incident from the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command were not successful as calls to her mobile telephone were not returned as of the time of this report.
Two killed in C’River, Benue communal clash
