The Paramount Ruler of Kwande Local Government Area, Chief Engr. Timothy Ahile (Ter Kwande), has called for the immediate withdrawal of Nigerian Army troops stationed in the area, following the killing of several mourners by soldiers in Jato-Aka, Turan district.
The traditional ruler made the demand during a visit to the affected community on October 1, a day after he attended the burial of Late Ortar Zaki Hanave Laha. His visit came amid growing anger over reports that students and other mourners were shot dead by soldiers while returning from paying their respects to the deceased at Nzaav.
The tragic incident has sparked tension in the area, with local leaders and residents accusing soldiers of unprovoked and brutal use of force.
Speaking during his visit, a visibly disturbed Ter Kwande strongly condemned the actions of the troops. Flanked by Hon. Mrs. Rita Sundah Iortsor, Vice Chairman of Kwande LGA (representing the council chairman), and Comrade Aloko Nachi, National President of the Kwande United People Organization (KWUPO), the monarch described the killings as “unprofessional and brutal.”
“I have reported this ugly development to both Tor Tiv and Tor Kwande,” he said. “The Nigerian Army, who have turned against us over the years, must leave. We no longer feel safe with them in our communities.”
He called for the replacement of the Army with the police, whom he said would be better suited to maintain peace without provoking violence.
Comrade Nachi, speaking on behalf of KWUPO, vowed that the organization would pursue justice for the victims, including legal action against the Army and the specific soldiers involved in the shootings.
“We will not fold our hands and watch our youths being slaughtered,” he said. “KWUPO will also ensure support is provided to those receiving treatment in hospitals.”
Nachi also revealed that Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, had been informed of the incident and had promised to visit Turan in response to the crisis.
Hon. Mrs. Iortsor, speaking emotionally at the scene, described the soldiers’ actions as “brutal and unjust.” She called for calm among residents, assuring them that local leaders were taking action to prevent further violence.
“This is not a war zone. These are innocent mourners who were targeted without cause,” she said. “We have spoken with the authorities, and we have been assured that the troops in Jato-Aka will be withdrawn.”
She urged residents to remain peaceful, even in their grief, while leaders pursue justice through legal and governmental channels.
The Nigerian Army has maintained a presence in parts of Benue State, including Kwande LGA, due to long-standing issues such as communal clashes, farmer-herder conflicts, and insecurity.
However, there have been growing complaints by residents about harassment, excessive force, and now, alleged extrajudicial killings by some military personnel.
This latest incident in Jato-Aka is one of the most serious in recent times, drawing sharp criticism from traditional leaders, civil groups, and residents alike.
While emotions remain high, the leadership of Kwande LGA and community groups have urged people to stay calm and avoid taking the law into their hands.
They said they would continue to press for the withdrawal of soldiers, and for an independent investigation into the killings.
Community leaders also appealed to state and federal authorities to intervene urgently and ensure such incidents do not occur again.
As the people of Kwande mourn their dead, pressure is mounting on the government and the military to explain the killings, punish those responsible, and restore public trust.
