Military men on Thursday invaded Benue community, Shangev Tiev, Konshisha local government area – following reports of missing two soldiers in the community – killing over 30 unarmed civilian.
It was observed from reports that the two soldiers were missing during a routine patrol in the community, days after a communal crisis in Konshisha and Oju Local government areas. Earlier reports confirmed three soldiers were missing, but one was later found.
The Troops of the Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) on Wednesday and Thursday morning invaded the community. The operation, involved the deployment of millitary helicopters using missile launchers, left scores of unarmed civilians dead and property worth billions of naira destroyed.
The Palace of Tyon Unaha Koko in Agidi, several cars in the village, and about 200 houses were set ablaze by the soldiers. Residents of the affected community confirmed the ordeal to Sahara reporters; a youth leader said, “we have lost over 50 unarmed civilians, more than five family members have been killed by the Nigerian Army.
There are no bandits in Shangev Tiev, a Military General in Makurdi is using the Army to support his tribe in an age long war over boundary demarcation. “Over 3 days now, unarmed civilians have come under Nigerian military attack, non stop.
Fulanis controlling the Armed Forces of Nigeria are assisting their numerous foot soldiers mobilized by Miyetti Allah in terrorizing the civilians. “They keep killing and destroying properties.
How can you use fighter jet on harmless and armless citizen while negotiating with bandits and terrorists. “As we talk now, most residents have deserted their homes and are taking refuge AR Tse-Agbaragba”. Another residents said, “My grandfather’s house is in ruins.
In 2001, the army burnt my father’s village and murdered my people, 20 years later, the army is burning down my mother’s home; 20 years after Zaki Biam, the army has returned to Benue in the same fashion.
This is not the way to go”. However, governor Samuel Ortom has promised to restore peace to Konshisha and Oji, admonishing the people against attacks on security agents which would make the situation extremely difficult to handle. He also urged them to support deployed security agent.
Ijeoma Njoku reporting, Obinwannem News
