Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, on Thursday, condemned the violent clash between the Tiv and Jukun communities in Makurdi riverside over ownership of fish ponds in the area.
In a press statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Nathaniel Ikyur, Ortom called on the two communities to cease hostilities without delay.
The PUNCH had reported that two people were reportedly inflicted with severe injuries from the violent clash on Wednesday over a battle for the ownership of fish ponds in the Wurukun area of Makurdi, the state capital.
The traditional ruler of the community was said to have fled to an unknown destination after his home was set ablaze by the rampaging youths who also burnt many other houses.
Ortom, who expressed sadness over the crisis, directed the security operatives to take control of the area and do all that was needed to arrest the perpetrators of the mayhem.
He said, “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. Resorting 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”.
Ortom 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.
He, therefore, urged the people to be law-abiding just as he assured them that the government would continue to create a conducive atmosphere for everyone to carry out his or her legitimate business in the state.
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