News Agency of Nigeria could not immediately confirm the number from the police as the command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr David Misal, did not respond to a call and SMS sent to his mobile telephone.
An eyewitness, Jerry Luka, however, told NAN that trouble started in Kente village in the evening when youths from both ethnic groups clashed over a misunderstanding.
He said, “The misunderstanding led to the killing of two people in Kente and this morning two others were killed around the General Hospital in Wukari.
“The argument started over cultural heritage issues between the two tribes, which have festered for some time now.”
The Chairman of the Wukari Local Government Area, Mr Daniel Adi, who confirmed the clashes, said two people were killed and several houses were burnt.
According to him, trouble started on Monday when some Tiv men were prevented from bringing goods to the Kente Market.
Adi stated, “One woman, who defied the order and brought yams to the market for sale, was attacked and the action sparked reprisal.
“I have since reached out to the Chairman of the Ukum Local Government Area in the neighbouring Benue State and the Security Adviser to the Benue State Governor and we are making efforts to stop the escalation of the crisis.
“I have visited the area, where the crisis started from, with the Chairman of Ukum from Benue and we have all agreed to talk to our people to give peace a chance.”
NAN reported that commercial activities hadbeen halted at the popular Wukari Yam Market as commodities were looted and the place deserted after the traders fled to safer zones.
