In Benue, Delta and Ebonyi States, a tale of bloodshed and destruction has persisted, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. Communal and land clashes have ravaged some communities in the states, claiming the lives of 1,045 innocent people and displacing hundreds more.
The persistent violence has also wrought havoc on the economic fabric of the states, with property worth millions of naira destroyed.
The destruction of homes, farms, and businesses has left many without shelter, food, or livelihoods. The fear of attacks, killings, and despair hangs heavy in the air as the people of Benue, Delta and Ebonyi struggle to come to terms with the magnitude of the avoidable tragedy that has befallen them.
LEADERSHIP Sunday investigation showed that in the last one year, Benue State has recorded a total of 1,000 deaths, Delta State,35, and Ebonyi State, 10, from land disputes and communal clashes.
In fact, unofficial sources said the death toll only from land and border disputes in Ebonyi runs into hundreds. They asserted that the purported figure of 10 casualties was an understatement.
READ MORE: Investing in Youth Skills Crucial for Nigeria’s Development— Peter Obi
In Gwer East local government, the land disputes between Mbasombo and Mbaivur, which started in 2020, have heightened.
However, LEADERSHIP report gathered that property worth over N2 billion, including public and private assets, and farms, were destroyed in the course of the crises, with over 60 people killed.
Follow the Parallel Facts channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
