Benue community demands justice over extra-judicial killings allegedly by soldiers

The Association in a statement signed by its President Chief Festus Iyorkaa and Mr Emmanuel Ijever, Secretary and made available to the media on Saturday, claimed that the soldiers of the Nigerian Army in Jato-Aka demanded ₦1 million to escort the remains of Chief Hanave Laha, an elder and Kindred Head of Nzaav for burial, rejecting the ₦460,000 offered them for logistics.

They alleged that the Moon Community Vigilante, in an act of courage, successfully facilitated the burial with dignity, attended by Ter Kwande and other traditional rulers, without the involvement of the Army.

The Association said that hours later, Army personnel reported that traditional gun salutes were performed at the burial – a longstanding Tiv custom to honour a deceased chief using dane guns and so, angered at being excluded from the burial and losing “escort fees,” the Army personnel posted to Jato-Aka demanded that the Vigilante produce the dane guns used in the traditional gun salute ceremony at the burial.

“In the confrontation, Captain Mohammed Ahmed of Operation Whirl Stroke allegedly ordered the execution of two unarmed Vigilante leaders, Mr. Iorsuur Abuul (25) and Mr. Akula Shija (25).

“Protests broke out around 2 pm as schools were closed. The  Soldiers had earlier arrested and placed Chief Simon Baver, Mue-Ter Ichongo, and Chief Msuega Abeebe, District Head of Yaav, in a so-called protective custody, heightening tensions.

“The Army opened fire during the unrest which occurred at about 2pm, killing two students in school uniforms and injuring four others.

“Shockingly, the Nigeria Police has issued a contradictory and false statement, alleging that the Army was repelling “hoodlums,” without conducting any credible investigation. This narrative is a deliberate attempt to bury the truth” .

The Turan Development gave names of victims of the killings to include, Tersoo Msughter – Student, Turan Community Secondary School, Jato-Aka, Suur Atee – Student of same school, Miss Hiinengen Asongo (14) – Pupil, ATM Divine Nursery & Primary School, Jato-Aka, Mr. Aondoakura Shija (25) – Vigilante at Jato-Aka, Turan, Mr. Iorsuur Abuul (25) – Vigilante at Jato-Aka, Turan.

While those injured and hospitalized include: Terlumun Menenge, Sefa Aondoakula, Washima Aondoakula, Imoter Alu, Terlumun Iorkise, Tarlumun Ben, Sonnen Maav, and Menenge Terlumun.

The association said that the tragic events demand urgent national attention, accountability, and justice even as they  aligned with the position of Ter Kwande, His Royal Highness, Engr. Timothy Ahire to call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia to take decisive steps to prevent Turan and Kwande from degenerating into another Zamfara scenario.

They therefore, demand the Immediate withdrawal of the Nigerian Army from Turanland, to be replaced by the Nigeria Mobile Police, who have a better record of community Policing, investigation and prosecution of Captain Mohammed Ahmed and his men by the National Human Rights Commission or a Judicial Commission of Inquiry for these extrajudicial killings, reconstruction of the Turan Traditional Council Hall/Office and the Residence of the Mue-Ter, destroyed as part of the fallout of the crisis.

“We also want an end to extortion and abuse by soldiers in Turanland, including the unlawful taxation of motorists, motorcyclists, villagers, and the shameful practice of demanding “escort fees” for burials.

“An end into the activities of the Army in Jato-Aka, Turan which has constituted themselves into private security guards for Chinese Miners in the Community.

“We mourn our fallen sons and daughters. We call on the Federal Government, human rights bodies, civil society, and all people of conscience to stand with Turan people in demanding justice, accountability, and an end to military brutality in our land.

“TUDA will not relent until justice is served”, the statement said.