Despite the imposition of dusk-to-dawn curfew in Benue State due to he Coronavirus pandemic, residents of Taraku in Gwer local government area of the state on Sunday, witnessed alleged killing of four persons and the razing down of many houses as Mbaapen people within the town struggled for the control of land and the traditional instrument of power used for the elevation of some persons.
Investigation revealed that Mbaapen community within Taraku town raised arms against themselves in the early hours of Sunday resulting in the wanton destruction of lives and property.
It was gathered that the power had rotated between Konshisha and Gwer local government areas but the usage in Taraku which had utilized the opportunity so much was becoming the envy of a section of the people who thought the power should shift even as land ownership was used as an excuse.
Eyewitness told our correspondent that a victim was thrown into the fire that razed his house.
Reliable sources told our correspondent that for the number of years the power has remained in Taraku, their sons and daughters rose to important positions with the holder of the power making the highest heap meaning reaching the apex of his authority.
Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Sewuese Anene, said she has not been told of any death but added that some persons were injured.
She said some policemen have been drafted to the area to restore normalcy, also investigation was ongoing.
She also said land was the cause of the crisis and promised to be giving updates to journalists on the matter.
It would be recalled that last year, one person was killed when struggle for power and land came up but the crisis subsided as armed police men were drafted to the place.
