Two persons have been reported killed and 70 houses razed in a cult clash, which turned into a communal strife between Tiv and Jukun youths in the Veterinary area,NorthBank,Makurdi, Benue state capital .

The incident, which startedon Sunday evening stretchedinto Monday morning .

An eyewitness, Fidelis Oryiman, who narrowly escaped death, said the bloody crisis started as a cult clash in which two youths were hacked to death .

But as the crisis lingered into the night, it turned into a communal strife between Tiv and Jukuns tribe who populated the areas .

Oryiman said: “Houses belonging toboth Tiv and Jukun were set ablaze with property with millions destroyed.”

Chairman of Makurdi Local Government Area, Hon James Dwem, who visited the crisis area on Monday morning, confirmed the incident.

Dwem appealed to the warring tribes to lay down their arms and embrace peace .

As of press time, Benue Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Adesina was seen patrolling the area with a team of officers.

It was gathered residents of Alia fled the area for fear of reprisal attacks. (The Nation)