The Benue State House of Assembly Tuesday condemned the killing of Ternenge Ikpanor, an indigene of Mbaduku Vandeikya Local Government Area by a mob at Obudu, Cross River State.

They equally called on the State Governor Hyacinth Alia to liaise with his Cross River State counterpart Bassey Otu to bring a lasting solution to the lingering problems between the two communities.

This followed a motion of urgent importance to address the ongoing crisis between the two border communities sponsored by Shimawua Terna representing Kyan State Constituency, who informed the house about a circulating video showing a group of hoodlums stoning the victim to death, describing the act as inhumane.
“What has happened leading to the gruesome murder of Ternenge Ikpanor may lead to a reprisal attacks which will amount to the breakdown of law and order in the axis if nothing is done to address the situation”. He lamented.

Lending his voice in support of the motion, member for Tiev, Mathew Damkor, who described the incident as unfortunate to the dignity of humanity, also noted that the perpetrators of the evil act must be brought to justice.

He said, “While growing up, we were meant to understand that life is sacred. However, the current situation has made life unsacred and it unfortunate to see such acts of inhumanity in our communities”.

On his part, the member representing Kwande West, Thomas Dugeri, decried the growing tension between the two communities, stressing that urgent measures must be taken to prevent the crisis from escalating, as the people have historically enjoyed a cordial relationship.
“The people of Mbaduku and Obudu use to have good relationship and the government of both states must strive to maintain law and order.” He emphasized, calling for a peace meeting.

The speaker of the house Aondona Dajoh resolved that the Benue State Government liaised with Cross River State to bring the perpetrators to book, noting that he has spoken with his counterpart over the matter.