19 abducted persons rescued as Benue communal clash triggers tension
Nineteen Abducted During Communal Clash in Benue State Rescued by Security Forces
Nineteen individuals who were abducted during a communal clash between the Ukpute and Adiko communities in Benue State have been rescued by security operatives.
The conflict reportedly initiated on Monday when a woman from the Ukpute community was attacked and severely injured while working on her farm. This incident led to retaliatory actions by local youths, resulting in the abduction of the 19 individuals and escalating tensions in the area.
In response to the unrest, Oju Local Government Area Chairman Ominyi Jackson Adah and his Obi counterpart Silas Odeh coordinated a security response. They mobilized personnel, including soldiers and police officers, to restore order.
Officials confirmed that the operation successfully led to the rescue of all abducted victims, who have since been reunited with their families.
In an effort to ease tensions, Adah and Odeh visited the Ukpute community in Ainu Ette. During their visit, they urged both communities to refrain from further violence and to pursue peaceful dialogue, cautioning that renewed hostilities could exacerbate the situation.
Meanwhile, the Omi Ny’Igede Youth Wing Development Association has called for urgent humanitarian assistance for residents displaced by the violence. The group appealed to the Benue State Emergency Management Agency and the National Emergency Management Agency for the provision of relief materials, citing that many affected families are in dire need of food, shelter, and medical aid.
Communal clashes in Benue State are often associated with disputes over land ownership and community boundaries. Authorities consistently advocate for dialogue and early intervention to prevent such incidents from escalating.
Security personnel remain present in the affected areas as calm gradually returns to the communities.
