…Allegations, False – General Aligbe
Ayatutu Cultural And Social Development Initiative (AYACASODI) has condemned last week’s attack on the people of Jootar community in Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue state, where one person reportedly lost his life and several others wounded, describing the recent attack, as one attack too many.
The sociocultural group recounted past attacks the military has meted on Tiv communities in Benue State, which resulted in the death of persons in their hundreds, pointing out that the attacks were inhuman.
But reacting to the allegations, the Force Commander (OPWS), Major General Kevin Aligbe said the statement was not totally accurate, pointing out that their too many generalisations.
The group made their position known in a statement made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Sunday and signed by the National President, Chief Timothy Baaki; Secretary, Comrade David Nyiagee and National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Peter Orga asked the Federal Government (FG) to compensate victims of the attack.
AYACASODI further alleged that the attack on the community was carried out by the Nigerian Army and Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) based in Chonko and Wukari in Taraba state.
Therefore, it called on President Muhammadu Buhari, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and other military formations among others to ensure a thorough investigation of the matter and ensure that the motorcycles seized by the military are returned to their rightful owners.
According to them, “Our attention has been drawn to the illegal and inhumane attack on the unarmed Tiv people in Jootar, Ukum LGA, Benue state by the Nigerian Army Personnel/Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, based in Chonko and Wukari, Wukari LGA, Taraba State on Wednesday, 8th March 2023.
“We condemn the inhumane acts perpetrated by the personnel of the Nigerian Army who should be the hope of the common man, and to call on the respective authorities to look into the matter, ensuring that the perpetrators face the law, at the same time avoid further occurrence.
“Recall that the Benue State Government had banned the use of motorcycles in Sankera axis of Benue State, which Jootar was part of, since December 2020.
“However, the ban was officially lifted with immediate effect on 7th of March 2023, after a court judgement; meaning on this said day, people were freely riding their motorcycles all over Benue State without interference from security agencies.
“It is shocking that, the following day after the ban was lifted, some personnel of the Nigerian Army based in Wukari town of Taraba State under the command of Major Paul Duniya, came to Jootar to confiscate motorcycles.
“Their attempts were initially resisted by the people who stood their ground that they were freed by law to ride their motorcycles. However, they (military) succeeded in taking away some motorcycles from the rightful owners to Wukari town in Taraba State.”
But, “Surprisingly, troops of Nigerian Army (who earlier left, later returned) with sophisticated weapons and invaded the community; this time around, they came in 8 hilux vehicles,1 armored car and 2 gun trucks.
“We hereby condemn the illegal acts in totality, and call on: The Minister of Defence; Chief of Defence Staff; CO 72 Battalion, Makurdi; CO 93 Battalion, Takum; the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC; His Excellency Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to order and ensure the thorough investigation of the incident.
“They should, ensure that the perpetrators are fished out and brought to book; the families of the victims are adequately compensated; all the confiscated motorcycles are returned to the rightful owners and to employ adequate measures towards ending the continuous inhumane treatment on Tiv people by the Nigerian Army among others.
“Furthermore, we call on the Executive Governor of Benue State, H.E. Chief Dr. Samuel Ortom (Nyamkyume i Benue); Senator representing Benue North-East (Zone A), H. E. Sen Dr Gabriel Suswam; the Federal House of Representatives member representing Sankera; State Assembly member to come to the aid of their helpless constituents.
“Your people are suffering from the hands of the military, who are meant to protect them. We remember vividly telling you on the 20/10/2022 in one of our press statements that, your constituents are not seeing peace, and there is no security for them.”
However, when contacted, the Force Commander, OPWS, Major General, Kevin Aligbe said the allegations were 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.”
