GROUP known as Ayatutu Cultural and Social Development Initiative, AYACASODI, has expressed deep concern over an unprovoked invasion of Jootar-Mbaterem community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State by personnel of Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, which led to the death of one person while several others sustained injuries.
The group in a press release signed by Chief Timothy Baaki and Comrade David Nyiagee, its National President and National Secretary respectively and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Sunday, said the incident which took place a day after the ban on the use of motorcycle was lifted on Wednesday, March 8,2023 also led to the confiscation of several motorcycles by the troops.
But the Field Commander of OPWS, Major General Kelvin Aligbe, in a statement, described the allegations as false, adding that anyone found wanting would be dealt with according to the dictates of the law.
He said, “This statement is not true as there are several generalisations. I am aware there was a misunderstanding on the said date and I have ordered an investigation into it.
“The Commanders in the general area have been invited already. If anyone is found wanting the law will take its course. Be assured.
However, AYACASODI maintained that the people were moving about doing their normal business, when the Nigerian Army Personnel who came from Wukari, Taraba State, began to confiscate motorcycles from their rightful owners.
“Their attempts were initially resisted by the people who stood their ground that they were freed by law to ride their motorcycles. However, they succeeded in taking away some motorcycles from the rightful owners to Wukari town in Taraba State.
“As law abiding citizens of the country who wanted the general public to hear their cries following the humiliation and intimidation by the army, the people of Jootar carried out a peaceful protest, demanding that the Ukum LGC Chairman should come and get their motorcycles for them. Pictorial evidence and eye witnesses attested that these protesters were unarmed and non-destructive.
“Surprisingly, after few minutes, troops of Nigerian Army Personnel with sophisticated weapons again invaded the community, this time around in eight (8) hilux vehicles, alongside one (1) armor car and two (2) gun trucks. They stopped at the Jootar Bridge (the border between Benue and Taraba State) and interrogated the people who also expressed their concerns.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is very unfortunate and sad that we have to inform you that, without provoked actions from the protesters, those Army Personnel, after sporadic shooting, aimed and shot at the people, resulting to the immediate death of Mr. Imongo Verve, while Mr. Aondoawase Abeda sustained serious bullets injuries. The rest escaped death and injuries by God’s grace.
“As a matter of fact, these people were attacked with the use of heavy and sophisticated weapons which are not constitutionally allowed to be used in quelling civil unrest. Weapons acquired with tax payers money and meant for protection of Nigerian citizens were rather used against same citizens.
“We want the world to note that, this inhumane treatment on Tiv people from Sankera axis by the Nigerian Army Personnel is not the first.
“History has it that, on 21/10/2001 the military invaded different towns within Sankera axis killing hundreds of innocent civilians. They also colluded with the Fulani militias and invaded Gbeji town on the 19/10/2022. The same Nigerian Army on 20th and 26th November 2022 burnt down Ikyaior Market, destroying yams, money, stores and other properties. Not to talk of the ones we do not know. As if that was not enough, they are still carrying out same illegal acts on the Tiv people, anytime they feel like; and they always go unpunished,” the group further stated.
It therefore called on President Muhamnadu Buhari, Minister of Defence; Chief of Defence Staff; CO 72 Battalion Makurdi; CO 93 Battalion Takum; The National Human Rights Commission; Governor Samuel Ortom, Senator Gabriel Suswam to ensure the thorough investigation of the incident to ensure that perpetrators are fished out, families of victims are compensated and confiscated motorcycles are returned to their owners.