Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has condemned the violent clash over ownership of a fish pond between the Tiv and Jukun at the Wurukum riverside communities in Makurdi Local Government Area.
Gov Ortom, who said he received briefings from security agents and the Chairman of Makurdi LGA, Anthony Dyegeh, on the matter, on Thursday, called on the two communities to cease hostilities without delay.
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The governor, in a statement signed by his spokesman, Nathaniel Ikyur, noted that scores of people were reportedly inflicted with severe injuries from the clash on Wednesday over the ownership of fish ponds in the Wurukun area.
He added that the traditional ruler of the community had reportedly fled to an unknown destination after his home was set ablaze and that many other houses were also torched. Gov Ortom, therefore, directed the security operatives to take control of the area and do all that was needed to arrest the perpetrators.
The statement read in part, “The perpetrators of this violent clash that has led to several injuries and properties destroyed must be brought to book. We cannot tolerate a situation where people take laws into their hands.
“No matter the amount of anger in a man’s mind, the resort to violence cannot be a solution. Resort to self-help can only aggravate the situation. There are many legitimate channels to resolve disputes. No one should take the law into his hands.”
The governor warned that the state government would bring the full weight of the law on anybody or community that perpetuated violence and disrupted the peace of the land henceforth, stressing the need for people to be law-abiding, while assuring them that government would continue to create a conducive atmosphere for everyone to carry out their legitimate businesses in the state.
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