The Turan Development Association (TUDA) has petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Benue state Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, over the recent killings of five innocent citizens of Jato-Aka in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, demanding urgent national attention, accountability, and justice.

Recall that some citizens of Kwande LGA, including three students were murdered after the burial of their elder and kindred Head of Nzaav, Chief Hanave Laha.

The Police, in their statement had confirmed the killings saying “the military team, on their way back from patrol sighted some hoodlums with firearms on a bike, while chasing them the hoodlums opened fire at the military which repelled them. It was in that process that unknowingly stray bullets hit three students of Government Science Secondary School Jato-Aka. On arrival to the hospital, sadly one of the students was confirmed dead by the doctor, while the two others are responding to treatment.”

The Association, in a statement signed by the President General, TUDA, Chief Festus Iorkyaa, and Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Ijever, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Sunday, expressed deep sorrow and outrage urging the president to investigate and take decisive action before the situation degenerates.

TUDA said the facts was that “Soldiers of the Nigerian Army in Jato-Aka demanded ?1 million to escort the remains of Chief Hanave Laha to Dzaav for burial, rejecting the ?460,000 offered them for logistics.

“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.

“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.

“Angered at being excluded from the burial and losing “escort fees,” the Army personnel posted to Jato Aka demanded that the Vigilante produce the den guns used in 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 2pm as schools 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.”

TUDA leaders gave the names of the victims as Tersoo Msughter, and Suur Atee, all students of Turan Community Secondary School, Jato-Aka; Miss Hiinengen Asongo (14), a Pupil of ATM Divine Nursery and Primary School, Jato-Aka.

Others are Mr. Aondoakura Shija (25) and Mr. Iorsuur Abuul (25), both members of the Vigilante at Jato-Aka, Turan.

They also noted that eight others were injured and hospitalized including Terlumun Menenge, Sefa Aondoakula, Washima Aondoakula, Imoter Alu, Terlumun Iorkise, Tarlumun Ben, Sonnen Maav, and Menenge Terlumun.

Our Demands:

The TUDA president said they align with the position of Ter Kwande, His Royal Highness, Engr. Timothy Ahire to demand an urgent 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 have also demanded 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.

Part of their demands also include, “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.

“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 JatoAka, Turan which has constituted themselves into private security guards for Chinese Miners in the Community.”

They said Turan, and indeed the whole of Kwande Local Government Area has lost confidence in the Nigerian Army’s operations in Turanland.

The statement further noted that “Instead of offering protection, the Army has become an instrument of intimidation, extortion, and violence against our vulnerable people, most of whom are Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

“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 Sun)