There is palpable tension in Udei, a community in Nyiev Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, following the alleged killing of three youths by soldiers stationed in the area.
According to a statement by Comrade Joseph Apahar Joo, Media and Publicity Officer for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue State, the incident occurred on Sunday morning after a confrontation between local youths and security operatives.
Trouble reportedly began when community youths apprehended a suspected herder in possession of a motorcycle allegedly belonging to a soldier identified as Mr. Suleiman.
Upon interrogation, the herder allegedly confessed to using the motorcycle to carry out a recent attack that left several persons dead in Yelewata, also in Nyiev Council Ward.
When the youth presented the herder’s confession to the military camp alongside evidence, including bloodstains on the motorcycle, tension escalated.
The soldier in question, Suleiman, reportedly admitted to having given the motorcycle to the herder, claiming it was to help transport a colleague who had suffered a snake bite.
However, disagreement erupted when the youths pressed for the herder to be held accountable, leading to a violent response from the soldiers. Eyewitnesses said the troops opened fire indiscriminately, killing three young men on the spot.
As of the time of filing this report, the community remains tense, with fears of a looming attack by armed herders heightening residents’ anxiety.
Comrade Apahar has called on the Benue State Government and federal authorities to urgently intervene and deploy an independent security team to prevent further escalation and ensure the safety of residents.
Efforts to reach the Nigerian Army authorities for comment were ongoing at press time.
CREDIT: DAILY POST