1 killed as Benue–Cross River land dispute escalates

A long-standing land dispute between Mbazerem community in Benue State’s Vandeikya Local Government Area and Abonkip in Cross River State’s Obudu Local Government Area has flared up again, resulting in one death and property destruction.

The crisis started on Friday when Abonkip youths allegedly encroached on Mbazerem land, violating previous boundary agreements.

They destroyed farmlands, crops, and economic trees worth millions of Naira, sparking outrage and retaliation.

In the ensuing clash, gunshots were fired, and a commercial driver of Tiv extraction was allegedly waylaid and killed on Obudu-Tsar Road.

However, the crisis has been brought under control by the local government chairmen from Obudu and Vandeikya, with the Area Police Command deploying anti-riot squads to the troubled areas.

Vandeikya Local Government Chairman Dennis Guda confirmed the incident, and authorities are working to maintain peace and stability in the region.

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