At least 50 unarmed civilians have been allegedly killed by military men in Shangev-Tiev, Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State following reports that two soldiers were missing in the community, multiple sources told SaharaReporters on Thursday. SaharaReporters gathered that the soldiers went missing during a routine patrol in the community days after a communal crisis between towns in Konshisha and Oju LGAs.
According to reviews, 3 soldiers had been to start with missing but one of them turned into later observed.
It turned into learnt that troops of the Operation Whirl-Stroke (OPWS) on Wednesday and Thursday morning invaded the network.
The operation, which concerned deployment of military helicopters the use of missile launchers, left ratings of unarmed civilians dead and property said to worth billions of naira destroyed.
About 200 homes which include the palace of Tyoor Unaha Kôkô in Agidi and several motors in village, which is now abandoned were set ablaze with the aid of the infantrymen.
Narrating the dastard act to SaharaReporters, a young people leader stated, “We have lost over 50 unarmed civilians, extra than five of my own family members have been killed by way of the Nigerian Army. There are no bandits in Shangev-Tiev, a navy General in Makurdi is the usage of the Army to assist his tribe in an age-long conflict over boundary demarcation.
“For over three days now, unarmed civilians have come under Nigeria military attack non-prevent. Fulanis controlling the Armed Forces of Nigeria are assisting their severa footsoldiers mobilised by way of Miyetti Allah in terrorising the civilians.
“They hold killing and destroying homes. How can you operate fighter jet on innocent and armless citizens whilst negotiating ransom with bandit and terrorists?
“As we talk now, maximum residents have abandoned their houses and are taking shelter at Tse- Agbaragba.”
Another resident requested the government to redeploy the squaddies ravaging the community to the various highways wherein the Boko Haram and herdsmen are currently terrorising and killing Nigerians.
He stated, “Its quite unhappy amidst lack of confidence in other elements of Benue, Konshisha could be focused via safety personnels. My village has been decreased to ashes for no cause. This isn't a Boko Haram. There is huge destruction and killing spree taking place. The elderly, ladies and kids are not disregarded, among those killed and displaced. What human feel could warrant such attack and destruction?
“For days now, our people have been under flames, displaced and are massacred.“
Another resident stated, “My grandfather's residence is in ruins, I hear. 2001, the Army burnt my fathers village and murdered my people. 20 years later, the Army is burning down my mothers home. Twenty years after Zaki Biam, the Army has again to Benue in the identical style. This isn't always the way to head.”
Meanwhile, Governor Samuel Ortom has pledged to return peace to Konshisha and Oju whilst briefing reporters after an expanded Security Council Meeting with stakeholders from the two local government regions.
Ortom, who reiterated the want for Benue people to support protection dealers deployed to quit crisis of their areas, admonished the people against assaults on protection marketers, which might make the state of affairs extremely difficult to include.
He explained that as part of measures to nip the land dispute among Konshisha and Oju inside the bud, it turned into agreed that the boundary be demarcated and a day changed into fixed for the workout.
According to the governor, a few days to the agreed date, crisis erupted again and safety agents have been deployed to govern its escalation whilst the troops sent to Konshisha got here underneath assault with army personnel nevertheless missing.
Ortom condemned the practice of a few groups engaging armed forces to fight their neighbours. He, but, vowed that such traders of violence could be made to face the outcomes in their actions.
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