A longstanding land dispute between Mbazerem in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State and Abonkip in Obudu, Cross River State has turned deadly, resulting in the loss of one life.
The renewed clash began on Friday when youths from Abonkip allegedly violated a boundary agreement by trespassing into Benue territory, where they reportedly destroyed crops and economic trees valued in the millions of Naira.
The situation quickly escalated, with gunfire exchanged between both communities. In a retaliatory act, a commercial driver of Tiv origin was reportedly ambushed and killed along the Obudu-Tsar Road.
Local government chairmen from both Vandeikya and Obudu have intervened to restore peace. The Chairman of Vandeikya LGA, Dennis Guda, confirmed the incident.
Meanwhile, the Area Police Command has deployed anti-riot units to the affected areas, and authorities say the situation is now under control.
