Tension has gripped the Jato Aka community in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State after soldiers were accused of opening fire on people returning from the burial of Chief Hanave Laha, a traditional leader in Nzaav, Yaav Council Ward of Turan District.

According to accounts from locals, the shooting happened on Monday afternoon and was described as completely unprovoked, sparking outrage over what many see as a blatant abuse of human rights.

During the chaos, a student of Government Science Secondary School, Jato Aka, simply identified as Iorfa, was hit after a bullet that first struck another victim, Mr Iorsuur, passed through and pierced his body.

While Iorfa is currently being treated at NKST General Hospital in Jato Aka, residents claim that soldiers carried away Iorfa’s remains to an unknown destination.

The incident has thrown the town into a state of fear, forcing schools and shops to close as troops in armoured vehicles continue to patrol the streets.

Community representatives have called on the Benue State Government and the Federal Government to intervene immediately and restore normalcy.

The incident has been formally reported to the Kwande LGA Chairman, Hon. Neji, and the President-General of the Kwande United People’s Organisation, Aloko Nachi Simon.