ARMY GENERAL,7 OTHERS KILLED IN BENUE COMMUNITY VIOLENCE

No fewer that eight persons, including one Major General Lawrence Ugbo have been reportedly killed and several others injured in Ugboju community, Otukpo LGA of Benue State.

The Nation gathered that the incident which broke out Wednesday morning has rendered many persons homeless.

A resident, Peter Ogaba told The Nation that fighting broke out in the community after some boys from Ugboju allegedly attacked a group of persons loyal to a former Chairman of Otukpo.

It was gathered that the former council boss was in the village with his loyalists when another group believed to be his rival launched an attack on them, injuring many persons.

In a reprisal attack, the politician went back and teamed up with his boys who reportedly stormed the community, killing anybody on sight.They reportedly killed a retired Major General Lawrence Ugbo and burnt his corpse.

The State Police Public Relations officer, Moses Yamu, said he was in a meeting and promised to call back but did not at press time.

The Chairman of Otukpo LG, Hon. George Alli confirmed the incident and said security operatives have been mobilized to the troubled area.

"Yes, I am there as we speak to take victims to the hospital.Several persons, including Maj Gen Lawrence Ugbo were killed and his body burnt to ashes. The clash has nothing to do with politics, it was a land tussle that caused the incident," Alli said.