No fewer than 20 people were Friday feared dead in an outbreak of conflict between Tiv farmers and nomadic Fulani herdsmen at Nzorov ward, in Guma Local Government Area of Benue state.
The entire Nzorov ward in Iyordye Akaahena village was sacked by the Fulani herdsmen who also burnt down their houses.
Among the houses burn were those belonging to the former Benue State Head of Service, Mike Iyordye.
This lasted crisis is coming just few weeks after the feuding parties had agreed to lay down their arms and embrace peace.
Some armed Fulani herdsmen who were reportedly dressed in military camouflage, had invaded the Tiv village in the afternoon in a convoy of vehicles from the neighbouring Nasarawa State.
The Guma Local Government council Chairman, Frank Adii said that fighting was still going on in the village as at the time of this report.
“From what I have gathered so far, the casualty figure is high with many injured but I am yet to confirm the number of casualties. I have already alerted security agencies on the development,” Mr Adii said.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Deputy Superintendent, Daniel Ezeala confirmed the fighting but added that the police had no report of deaths arising from the crisis.
“Security personnel have already been drafted to the crisis area, but we have not received any information on the number of deaths,” he added.