Benue govt, security agencies intervene in communal clash

Benue State authorities and security forces have stepped in to mediate a violent conflict between the Mbakor and Agasha communities in Tarka and Guma local government areas. The outbreak of hostilities resulted in numerous homes being destroyed and property losses amounting to millions of naira. To address the situation, Guma Local Government Chairperson Maurice Orwough led a peace assessment tour to the affected regions.

Orwough emphasized that the incident was both painful and preventable, urging the communities to lay down their arms for the sake of progress. Accompanying Orwough was Tarka Local Government Chairperson Raphael Yenge, who represented the Mbakor delegation, while Agasha stakeholders also attended in significant numbers. The state government's delegation consisted of key officials from the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, Housing, the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, and Homeland Security.

These delegates, along with heads of various security agencies, underscored their commitment to maintaining order. Dr. Stephen Hwande, Chief Medical Director of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, highlighted the devastating human toll of communal violence, while Dr. James Dwem stressed that no community can thrive in an atmosphere of discord.

Following extensive discussions, both sides agreed to forgive each other and work towards enduring peace. Upon concluding their deliberations, Orwough expressed gratitude for the communities' decision to engage in dialogue, promising that Guma Local Government would collaborate with the state government and security forces to reinforce the peace, emphasizing that Mbakor and Agasha are brothers who must coexist.