The Paramount Ruler of Kwande and Chairman of the Local Government Traditional Council, Chief Engr. Timothy Ahile (Ter Kwande), has called for the immediate withdrawal of Nigerian Army troops from Kwande Local Government Area following the alleged killing of mourners in Jato-Aka, Turan District.
The monarch made the demand during a visit to Jato-Aka on Tuesday, October 1, barely 24 hours after he attended the burial of the late Ortar Zaki Hanave Laha. His visit coincided with reports that several students and other mourners were shot dead while returning from the deceased’s residence in Nzaav community.
Monarch Condemns Killings
Visibly shaken, Ter Kwande condemned what he described as the “unprofessional and brutal conduct” of the soldiers stationed in the area. According to him, the actions of the troops amounted to a betrayal of trust, as the people had long endured harassment and intimidation under military presence.
“I have reported this ugly development to both Tor Tiv and Tor Kwande,” the monarch said, insisting that the military presence in the area must be replaced with police personnel. “The Nigerian Army, who have turned against us over the years, must leave.”
The monarch was accompanied by the Vice Chairman of Kwande Local Government Area, Hon. Mrs. Rita Sundah Iortsor, who represented the council chairman, and Comr. Aloko Nachi, the National President of the Kwande United People Organization (KWUPO). Both leaders echoed his concerns and vowed to pursue justice for the victims.
KWUPO Vows Legal Action
Speaking at the gathering, Comr. Nachi described the incident as a deliberate act of brutality and announced that KWUPO would initiate legal proceedings against the Nigerian Army and the soldiers alleged to be responsible.
“This is not just an attack on individuals, but on the dignity of our community,” Nachi said. “We cannot continue to watch while innocent lives are wasted. We will explore every legal means to ensure accountability.”
He further revealed that the organization would support families of the deceased and provide assistance to those wounded and currently receiving treatment in hospitals. Nachi also disclosed that Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, had promised to visit Turan to personally assess the situation.
Local Government Pledges Calm
In an emotional address, Hon. Iortsor urged residents to remain calm and avoid reprisals, assuring them that authorities were already engaging with higher security structures. She described the actions of the soldiers as “brutal and unjust,” adding that measures were being taken to ensure that troops stationed in Jato-Aka would be withdrawn.
“This tragedy will not be swept under the carpet,” she said. “We are determined to seek redress, but we appeal for patience and peace as we navigate the legal and security processes.”
Background of Tensions
The incident has reignited longstanding tensions between Kwande communities and military operatives. Over the years, reports of harassment, extortion, and alleged extrajudicial killings by soldiers deployed in Benue have deepened mistrust between civilians and the armed forces.
Benue, particularly its border areas like Kwande, has been a flashpoint of violent clashes linked to herder-farmer conflicts, communal disputes, and banditry. The federal government often deploys the military to such hotspots to restore peace. However, community leaders argue that the heavy-handed approach of some operatives has worsened insecurity rather than reduced it.
Calls for Accountability
Civil society groups and youth organizations in Benue have joined in condemning the shootings, demanding a thorough investigation and prosecution of those involved. Some have also called for a broader review of military deployment in civilian communities, insisting that police officers and civil security outfits are better suited for such roles.
For residents of Jato-Aka, the deaths have left behind grief, anger, and questions over whether those meant to protect them can still be trusted. Community leaders have appealed for peace, stressing the need to avoid further bloodshed as investigations continue.
Way Forward
The demand by Ter Kwande underscores a growing call for alternatives to militarization in managing local conflicts. While the Nigerian Army has not officially responded to the latest allegations, security analysts warn that failure to hold operatives accountable risks further eroding public confidence in the military.
For now, the people of Kwande await both the governor’s visit and assurances from higher authorities. Whether the military will remain or withdraw from the area may well determine the future of trust and cooperation between security forces and local communities in Benue State.