Several houses have been destroyed and residents forced to flee their homes following a renewed communal clash between communities in Gwer East and Konshisha Local Government Areas of Benue State.

According to sources, the incident occurred over the weekend when the Mbaiase community in Masev of Gwer East LGA launched what appears to be a reprisal attack on the Gbinde community in Mbagusa, Mbatser, ShangevTiev of Konshisha LGA.

The media aide to the Executive Chairman of Konshisha LGA, Terhide Fave, confirmed the attack, stating that it took place on Saturday evening. While no loss of life was reported, the clash resulted in the destruction of numerous houses and properties, with the exact number yet to be ascertained.

"Residents have fled the area. Many houses were burnt but I can't ascertain the numbers now," Fave said.

This latest violence marks the continuation of recurring conflicts between the two communities, which have been engaged in hostilities over the past three months due to longstanding disputes.

The Chairman of Konshisha LGA, Terfa Moses Chikyaa, who visited the affected area, condemned the attack and urged the communities to remain calm. He advised residents not to take the law into their own hands, assuring them that the state government would take steps to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Many displaced families have reportedly sought refuge in neighboring communities as tensions remain high in the area.

Efforts to get comments from the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, CSP Catherine Anene, were unsuccessful as calls to her mobile telephone were not returned at the time of filing this report.

The situation continues to raise concerns about intercommunal relations in Benue State, with calls for increased security presence and lasting resolution to the underlying issues fueling the recurring conflicts.