Chief Iorbee Ihagh, the president general of Mdzough U Tiv Worldwide, has urgently demanded the immediate withdrawal of Nigerian Army forces stationed in Turan community, located within Kwande local government area of Benue State. He condemned the military’s actions, describing them as brutal and accusing them of unlawfully targeting and killing innocent youths in the region.
In a phone interview, Chief Ihagh expressed solidarity with Ter Kwande Engr. Timothy, who recently met with Turan community members and grieving families of the victims. During this gathering, Engr. Timothy appealed to the federal government to replace the Army presence with Mobile Police units to restore peace and security.
Chief Ihagh accused the soldiers of abusing their authority by engaging in extortion, sexual violence, physical assault, and unlawful killings, particularly against young people, without any just cause. He linked the recent deaths of students and mourners to a dispute over a demanded payment of N600,000 by the military, which the bereaved family of the late traditional ruler could not fully meet.
“The soldiers insisted on receiving N600,000 as fuel money before they would escort the family to bury their father. The family managed to raise only N400,000, which the soldiers rejected. Frustrated, the family proceeded to Nzaav to conduct the burial themselves. Tragically, on their return, the Army opened fire, killing two mourners and four students who were returning from school,” he explained.
“We are under attack from all sides-those sent to protect us have become our oppressors. We cannot tolerate this anymore. The federal government must withdraw the Army and deploy Mobile Police instead. Whether it’s extortion, rape, or murder, our people are suffering immensely,” Chief Ihagh lamented.
Responding to the incident, Benue State Police Public Relations Officer Udeme Edet confirmed the deaths but clarified that the students were not intentionally targeted by the military. “The soldiers were returning from a patrol when they encountered armed criminals on a motorcycle. During the pursuit, the criminals fired at the soldiers, who returned fire,” she stated.
Edet added that stray bullets struck three students from Government Science Secondary School, Jato-Aka. One student was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital, while the other two are receiving medical care. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.
It is important to note that the youth leader of Mbaikyor Council ward in Turan has also been actively involved in addressing the community’s concerns regarding this tragic event.