From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
At least three persons were killed, following a brutal attack on Ikpengezwa community in Turan in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack, allegedly carried out by personnel from the Nigerian Army attached to a Chinese mining company, occurred on Tuesday.
According to a community leader, Joseph Akerigba, the army personnel opened fire on mourners returning from the burial of the kindred head of Nzaav, Yaav council ward, Zaki Hanave Laha.
He explained that the incident has sparked tension in Jato-Aka town and environs, with many residents fleeing.
An eyewitness, who spoke with journalists on condition of anonymity yesterday in Makurdi, claimed that soldiers had demanded a fee for security escort for the burial, which was rejected by the youths.
The eyewitness noted that the soldiers anger was fueled by the youths decision to escort the traditional ruler’s remains without paying.
He also revealed that the district head of Yaav was bundled into an army patrol vehicle along with some youths and taken to an unknown destination, while a student identified as Iorfa, was hit by a bullet and is receiving treatment at NKST Hospital, Jato-Aka.
The incident has paralysed commercial and school activities in the area, with heavily armed soldiers patrolling the town.
President General of Kwande United People’s Organisation, KWUPO, Comrade Aloko Nacho called for immediate government intervention to restore calm.
In her reaction, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Edet Udeme, explained that the military team responded when they sighted hoodlums who were carrying firearms.
She said it was in the process that stray bullets hit three students of Government Science Secondary School, Jato-Aka, recalling that one of the students was confirmed dead by doctors with two others still responding to treatment, while investigation is ongoing.
