MAKURDI—Four persons, including Major
Lawrence Ugbo (retd.), a former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, state chairmen
were
, Wednesday, reportedly killed in a conflict between supporters of All
Progressives Congress, APC, and PDP, at Ondo community, in Ogobia, Ugboju
District of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue state.
The Chief
Security Officer of the local government, Mr. Christopher Ogbleba, and his son
were also reportedly killed in the crisis.
Vanguard
learned that the crisis, a spill-over of the rivalry between a former Otukpo
council chairman, who is of APC and his brother, who is a PDP faithful, also
left several persons with bullet wounds.
According to
the eyewitness, houses and vehicles were razed by the feuding parties, while
several persons, including women and children, have been rendered homeless just
as many have fled the community for fear of being killed
Eyewitness account
According to
an eyewitness: “The bloody crisis broke out in the community after some armed
youths from Ugboju allegedly attacked a group of young men, who were believed
to be loyalists of the former council boss, while they were holding a meeting
with their supposed leader in the community.
“The
aggrieved youths beat a retreat and mobilised for a reprisal attack and the
ensuing bloody fight between the two bitter rivals led to the death of many,
including the retired military officer, who was an APC chieftain, and a former
State Chairman of PDP.
“The Chief
Security Officer of the Local Government, Mr. Christopher Ogbleba, and his son
were among those killed in the crisis.”
Coucil boss reacts
Reacting,
Otukpo Local Government Chairman, Mr. George Alli, who alongside security
operatives toured the devastated community, expressed shock at the level of
destruction in the community.
His words:
“It is quite disheartening that people can allow their personal differences
degenerate to the level of taking the lives of others and the razing of their
houses and property; I am indeed sad.
“I plead for
calm and also urge the warring communities to sheathe their swords and embrace
peace, because no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of war
and crisis.”
Police story
Confirming
the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent
Moses Yamu, said four persons were killed in the crisis, while four others who
sustained bullet wounds had been taken for medical attention in a public
hospital.
He added:
“The crisis was attributed to the two brothers. As I speak with you, we have
arrested one, while the search for the other is ongoing.
“We have
beefed up security in the community and calm has also returned to the area.”
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