The Federal Government has been urged by Turan Development Association (TUDA) to put an end to the ongoing attacks by alleged terrorists on Kwande Local Government Area in Benue State.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Lagos, Mr. Festus lorkyaa, President, Turan Development Association (TUDA), made the plea on behalf of the organisation.
According to Lorkyaa, the Kwande neighbourhood was the target of terrorist strikes in the final week of February, which resulted in over 50 fatalities, numerous injuries, and the destruction of property worth millions of naira.
“We write to report recent, sustained terror attacks on our communities over the past 10 days which have resulted in over 50 people dead, several injured, thousands displaced and loss of property and farmlands.
“These latest spates of attacks started on the 23rd of February in Ityurugh, Mbaikyor Ward in Turan, Kwande Local Government Area.
“These attacks have since spread to Abande, lyon, Kendev-Ya, Anwase, Yaaiwa, and other localities – an area spanning over 100km,²” lorkyaa said.
The assailants arrived with about 300 animals and were armed with extremely advanced weapons, the president claimed, responding to allegations from eyewitnesses.
He claimed that the assailants intimidated the local populace, murdering women, children, and defenceless civilians while damaging homes, grocery stores, and farmlands.
“In some cases, they have taken over the lands and settled on the land,” lorkyaa quoted the eyewitnesses as saying.
The group urged President Muhammadu Buhari to quickly secure the Kwande people, their farmlands, and their property by using his good offices.
They pleaded with the president to detain and charge any suspected terrorists and to make sure that a thorough investigation was conducted to identify the attackers’ masterminds.
The group also demands that the FG apprehend and hold accountable those who planned and funded the attacks.
The group also asked for the FG to improve security in the impacted communities.
Also, they requested the FG to give immediate humanitarian aid to those residents of the afflicted villages who have fled and are currently residing in nearby communities.
