Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State on Thursday condemned the violent clash over ownership of a fish pond between the Tiv and Jukun ethnic groups living at the Wurukum riverside communities in Makurdi Local Government Area.
Ortom who said he received briefings from security agents and the Chairman of Makurdi Local Government, Anthony Dyegeh, on the matter 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 violent clash on Wednesday over the battle for the ownership of fish ponds in the Wurukun area of Makurdi, the Benue state capital.
He added that the traditional ruler of the community had reportedly fled to an unknown destination after his home was set ablaze by the rampaging youths and many houses were also burnt during the clash.
Ortom, therefore, directed the security operatives to take control of the area and do all that is needed to arrest the perpetrators of the mayhem.
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 will bring the full weight of the law on anybody or community that perpetuates violence and disrupt the peace of the land henceforth as he stressed the need for people to be law-abiding just and assured them that government will continue to create a conducive atmosphere for everyone to carry out their legitimate businesses in the state.
