The Benue State Government has condemned the recent communal clash between residents of Kaambe Council Ward in Guma Local Government Area and Mbachaverikondo Council Ward in Tarka Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chief Solomon Iorpev, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
Iorpev said while the government was grateful that no life was lost in the incident, it condemned the wanton destruction of property and looting reported in the affected communities.
He described the incident as unacceptable and avoidable, saying it was beneath the dignity of people who had historically lived side by side in unity and brotherhood.
According to him, Benue State has over the years contended with serious external security challenges, making it imperative for its people to close ranks and unite against external threats rather than turn against one another.
“Benue citizens at this point in history cannot afford to be their own enemy while facing threats from outside our borders. Our strength lies in our unity, not our division,” he said.
Iorpev warned that destruction could set communities back by thousands of miles, while rebuilding what had been lost would take far longer and cause greater hardship.
He said communities involved in such conflicts did not only destroy buildings and property but also years of progress, delay development and inflict hardship on their own people.
The commissioner said the Alia-led administration remained committed to protecting lives and property across the state, promoting development and shielding Benue from external threats and attacks.
He called on residents of Kaambe and Mbachaverikondo, as well as communities across the state, to embrace peace, exercise restraint and shun violence, destruction and reprisal attacks.
“There can be no meaningful development in the midst of crisis,” he said, urging citizens to play their part in restoring and sustaining peace across the state.
Iorpev added that security agencies had been directed to move into the affected areas to restore calm, protect residents and ensure that those found culpable for the destruction and looting were identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Benue govt condemns communal clash, deploys troops, calls for lasting peace