Residents of Jato Aka in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State have been thrown into panic after soldiers allegedly opened fire on mourners returning from a burial, leaving one person dead and another critically injured.
The incident, which occurred on Monday afternoon, followed the interment of Chief Hanave Laha, a traditional leader in Nzaav, Yaav Council Ward of Turan District. Locals told journalists that the shooting was unprovoked, describing it as a gross abuse of human rights.
Eyewitnesses said a secondary school student, identified simply as Iorfa, was struck by a bullet after it pierced through another victim, Mr Iorsuur. While Iorfa is currently receiving treatment at the NKST General Hospital in Jato Aka, residents alleged that soldiers whisked away Iorsuur’s remains to an unknown location.
The development has heightened tension in the community, with shops and schools reportedly shut as troops in armoured vehicles patrol major streets. Many residents are said to be living in fear of further attacks.
“We were returning peacefully from the burial when the soldiers started shooting at us. People ran for safety, but some were not lucky,” a distraught resident recounted.
Community leaders have since petitioned both the Benue State Government and the Federal Government to urgently wade into the crisis. The matter has been formally reported to the Kwande LGA Chairman, Hon. Neji, and the President-General of the Kwande United People’s Organisation, Aloko Nachi Simon.
