TUDA Cries Out to Tinubu, Alia; Demands Probe, Justice, and Military Withdrawal over Killings in Kwande

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Turan Development Association (TUDA) has expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the killing of five innocent residents of Jato-Aka in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.

The association has therefore called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia to order a thorough investigation into the alleged involvement of the military in the killings and ensure justice for the victims.

In a statement signed by its President General, Chief Festus Iorkyaa, and Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Ijever, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Sunday, TUDA condemned what it described as “unprovoked acts of violence” by soldiers deployed in the area.

Chief Iorkyaa alleged that the military has been extorting, harassing, and killing innocent people in Turanland, stressing that the situation demands urgent national attention, accountability, and justice.

According to the statement, five citizens of Kwande LGA, including three students, were murdered following the burial of Chief Hanave Laha, the late elder and kindred head of Nzaav.

TUDA explained that the crisis began when “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 for logistics.”

The statement continued: “The Moon Community Vigilante courageously facilitated the burial, attended by Ter Kwande and other traditional rulers, without the Army’s involvement.

“However, hours later, the soldiers claimed that traditional gun salutes—an age-long Tiv custom to honour deceased chiefs—were performed during the burial.

“Angered by their exclusion and loss of ‘escort fees,’ the soldiers demanded that the Vigilante produce the dane guns used in the ceremony. In the ensuing 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 erupted around 2 p.m. as schools closed. The soldiers had earlier arrested Chief Simon Baver, Mue-Ter Ichongo, and Chief Msuega Abeebe, District Head of Yaav, placing them in so-called protective custody, which further heightened tensions.

“The Army opened fire during the unrest, killing two students in school uniforms and injuring four others. Shockingly, the Nigeria Police later issued a false statement claiming that the Army was repelling ‘hoodlums,’ without conducting any credible investigation—a clear attempt to bury the truth.”

TUDA identified the deceased as Tersoo Msughter and Suur Atee, both students of Turan Community Secondary School, Jato-Aka; Miss Hiinengen Asongo (14), a pupil of ATM Divine Nursery and Primary School, Jato-Aka; and Vigilante members Mr. Aondoakura Shija (25) and Mr. Iorsuur Abuul (25).

The association also listed eight injured victims currently hospitalized: Terlumun Menenge, Sefa Aondoakula, Washima Aondoakula, Imoter Alu, Terlumun Iorkise, Tarlumun Ben, Sonnen Maav, and Menenge Terlumun.

TUDA’s Demands:
The association, aligning with the position of Ter Kwande, His Royal Highness Engr. Timothy Ahire, urged President Tinubu and Governor Alia to take immediate steps to prevent Turan and Kwande from descending into another Zamfara-like security crisis.

Their demands include:

Immediate withdrawal of the Nigerian Army from Turanland and their replacement with 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.

Reconstruction of the Turan Traditional Council Hall/Office and the residence of the Mue-Ter, destroyed during the crisis.

An end to extortion and abuse by soldiers in Turanland, including the unlawful taxation of motorists and the demand for “escort fees” during burials.

Cessation of military involvement in providing private security for Chinese miners operating in Jato-Aka, Turan.

TUDA declared that the people of Turan and the entire Kwande LGA have lost confidence in the Nigerian Army’s operations in the area.

“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),” the statement added.

“We mourn our fallen sons and daughters. We call on the Federal Government, human rights organizations, civil society groups, and all people of conscience to stand with the 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 concluded.