A clash between two families of the Mbapen clan in Taraku town of Gwer East Local Government Area in Benue State resulted in the death of one person, injuries to several others, and the burning of numerous houses on Sunday morning.
The victim, identified as Tseaa Wanpera, was reportedly a director in the ministry of arts and culture of the state government.
The clash is a continuation of a longstanding dispute over land between two households, Aku and Mon, who are great grandchildren of Mbaakemcha in Mbapen Clan.
Taraku is a rural town located about 15 minutes’ drive to Otukpo, the headquarters of the Idoma kingdom, and Mbaakemcha is one of the Tiv communities residing there.
An eyewitness revealed that the unresolved conflict had led to regular police surveillance in the area due to frequent confrontations between the warring factions.
The situation escalated over the weekend when one of the factions allegedly hired mercenaries to attack the family of the deceased during a funeral ceremony for his elder brother, who had passed away.
According to the witness, the attackers seized the opportunity to launch gun attacks on the mourners, resulting in the death of Tseaa Wanpera. Additionally, an in-law was shot, and another person, Mr. Iorahom, is still missing. Many houses in the affected area were set ablaze and continue to burn.
Another villager mentioned that the police had arrived at the scene, but tension remained high in Taraku town, leading to the closure of businesses since the initial signs of trouble on Saturday.
The spokesperson for the State Police Command, DSP Catherine Anene, confirmed that houses were set on fire but had not received any reports of fatalities. She stated that the victims were receiving medical treatment.