Benue Monarch Wants Soldiers Withdrawn From Kwande Over Mourners’ Deaths

Chief Engineer is the Chairman of the Local Government Traditional Council and the supreme ruler of Kwande. Since the Nigerian Army killed mourners in Jato-Aka, Timothy Ahile (Ter Kwande) has called for the army to leave Kwande Local Government Area immediately.

A day after attending the funeral of the late Ortar Zaki Hanave Laha, the monarch, clearly shaken, traveled to Turan to see Jato-Aka on October 1.

Reports of multiple students and other mourners being shot dead on their way back from the deceased’s home in Nzaav coincided with his visit.

Speaking during the visit, Ter Kwande and Kwande LGA Vice Chairman Hon. The chairman of the council was represented by Mrs. Rita Sundah Iortsor, and Comr. The deaths were harshly denounced by the Kwande United People Organization’s (KWUPO) National President, Aloko Nachi.

He condemned what he called the military’ “brutal and unprofessional behavior” in the region.

Asserting that police should take the place of the military, the king said, “I have reported this ugly development to both Tor Tiv and Tor Kwande.”

“We need the Nigerian Army to leave, as they have betrayed us over the years.”

From his perspective, Comr. Nachi promised that in order to bring the victims justice, KWUPO would take legal action against the Army and the offending soldiers.

“The association will support the wounded who are receiving treatment in hospitals,” he continued. In reaction to the incident, Governor Hyacinth Alia had pledged to travel to Turan, Nachi also disclosed.

Hon. While authorities seek remedy, residents should maintain their composure, Mrs. Iortsor said in an emotional speech. She called what the soldiers were doing “brutal and unjust,” and she promised that the troops in Jato-Aka would be pulled out.

The leaders also urged the populace to keep the peace and order while they awaited the results of the legal and security procedures.