By George Okoh in Makurdi
The Benue State Police Command yesterday confirmed the killings of four persons in a renewed clash in Ogobia town, Ugboju community of Otukpo Local Government Area.
In August, the area was engulfed with bloody crisis ignited by two brothers, Ijachi Udeh and Benjamin Udeh, who are said to be a member of different political parties.
While Ijachi Udeh belongs to the All Progressives Congress (APC), his brother, Benjamin, belongs to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
During the mayhem, a retired army major, Lawrence Ugbo, and three others were killed.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, who confirmed the ongoing killings in Makurdi yesterday said there was a clash in the same area which claimed the lives of three persons while another person was injured but later died yesterday morning.
“Yes there was a clash that claimed the lives of three persons yesterday (Saturday) night and another injured person gave up today (Sunday), making four deaths in all. Normalcy has been restored as more patrol teams have been deployed in the area to support the ones that were there after the August mayhem,†Yamu stated.
The spokesperson said the police were yet to establish the motive for the killing but said it was likely to be connected to the one that happened last August.
‘’It is likely that the Saturday clash and killing is connected to what happened in the area recently but we have commenced full investigations to bring the killers to book,†the PPRO stated.
He urged the public to provide security agencies with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the killers.
Meanwhile, members of the Idoma socio cultural organisation, Opiatoha K’ Idoma, has condemned the renewed hostility in Ogobia-Ugboju.
A statement by the Secretary-General of the organisation, Chief Adoka Adaji, said  in the renewed hostility, it was gathered about four persons were reportedly shot dead with numerous others injured, stating that it is unfortunate that the warring parties are not prepared to embrace peace and dialogue for peace to return to the area.
The organisation called on security agencies to wade in and apprehend those behind the dastardly act.
“Government should ensure full presence of the military and police patrol in the area to forestall further break down of law and order because people can’t afford to witness violence in Ogobia during this festive period,†Adaji stated.
