Tension flared once again in Benue State on Sunday as a fierce gun battle broke out between military personnel and suspected armed herdsmen near Tse Asha and Ukange villages in Guma Local Government Area.

Eyewitnesses who spoke on the development with Daily Post stated that the heavy exchange of gunfire was taking place just two kilometres away from the Ortese Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, raising fears among already vulnerable displaced residents.

A resident, Zege Orkwande, said that as of Sunday afternoon, security agencies had yet to issue any official statement on the confrontation.

Another Communal Clash Erupts In Konshisha

Meanwhile, separate violence broke out on Saturday morning between residents of Mbaiase in Gwer East Local Government Area and the Igbinde community in Konshisha LGA.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication tracking the Lake Chad region, the attack occurred around 9:30 a.m. and was reportedly launched by armed militias suspected to be from the Mbaiase community.

“The attackers stormed Igbinde village in the Mbagusa/Mbatser council ward and set several thatched houses ablaze, destroying valuable property,” the publication reported.

Though the level of destruction was significant, no casualties have been confirmed as of press time.

In response to the unrest, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke and other security agencies have been deployed to the affected communities to restore calm and prevent further bloodshed.

Traditional rulers, local government chairpersons, and other community stakeholders from both Gwer East and Konshisha LGAs have also been contacted to commence peace talks aimed at addressing the long-standing tensions between the communities.

Security officials say confidence-building patrols and surveillance are currently underway to ensure safety and to ward off potential reprisal attacks.