PRESS RELEASE
2nd October, 2025
AYATUTU CULTURAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE (AYACASODI) CONDEMNS THE MILITARY KILLING OF INNOCENT MOURNERS IN TURAN, JATO-AKA
The Ayatutu Cultural and Social Development Initiative (AYACASODI), under my leadership, Chief Timothy Baaki, condemns in the strongest terms the brutal and barbaric killing of innocent people by men of the Nigerian Army on the 30th September, 2025, at Ikpengezwa, Jato-Aka, in Kwande LGA of Benue State.
According to credible accounts, soldiers opened fire without provocation on mourners returning from the burial of Ortar Zaki Hanave Laha in Nzaav. This unprovoked assault, reckless and unjustifiable, claimed the lives of innocent youths, including students returning from school, and two including Mody, son of late Ortar, and his close ally Shija, who had been deliberately marked for elimination.
This tragedy is not an isolated incident but the latest in a disturbing pattern of coordinated violence. It follows a series of reprisal attacks allegedly sponsored by a Fulani Alhaji whose militia had earlier displaced people from their ancestral lands in Yaav and Moon. It is particularly alarming that elements of the Nigerian Army, under the command of Mohammed Ahmed in Jato-Aka, are reported to have been compromised with financial inducements to target community leaders and other members of the communities.
The victims of this heinous act include Mr Iorsuur Abuul of Moon Council Ward and Mr Akula Shija of Moon Council Ward.
Students who were killed include Gloria Songo, a student of ATM Devine Academy Jato-Aka, and Mr Tersoo Msughter, a student of Turan Community Secondary School Jato-Aka.
Those who sustained brutal injuries and are currently hospitalized include Terlumun Menenge, a student of Day Secondary School Jato-Aka, Sefa Aondoakula, a student of Government Science and Technical College Jato-Aka, Washima Aondoakula, a student, and Imoter Aku, also a student.
Such brazen abuse of military power is a stain on our democracy and a tragic reminder of how state institutions can be weaponized against the very citizens they are duty-bound to protect. The Nigerian Army is constitutionally mandated to shield all Nigerians without fear or favour, not to serve as hired mercenaries for private sponsors of violence. This incident is a direct assault on justice, humanity, and the fragile unity of our nation.
On behalf of AYACASODI, standing in the gap for justice, equity, and the peace of the Tiv nation, I hereby:
1. Call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to rise to the demands of his oath of office by ordering a thorough and transparent investigation into the killings in Jato-Aka, ensuring that those responsible are not shielded but brought swiftly to justice, thereby restoring public confidence in the Nigerian Army.
2. Urge the Chief of Army Staff to immediately recall and investigate Commander Mohammed Ahmed and his men for their alleged complicity in extra-judicial killings, grave misconduct, and brazen abuse of power.
3. Appeal to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and other humanitarian agencies to urgently swing into action by providing medical care to the wounded, adequate compensation to the families of the deceased, and relief materials to the affected communities.
4. Demand robust and sustained security protection for the affected communities in Turan, Moon, and other vulnerable areas of Benue and Taraba States, to forestall further bloodshed, prevent another round of displacement, and restore dignity to the lives of the people.
For decades, these communities have endured waves of orchestrated attacks, displacements, and systemic marginalization. The September 30th killings stand as another scar on the conscience of our nation. Unless justice is swiftly dispensed and perpetrators are decisively punished, Nigeria risks sliding further into the abyss of distrust, alienation, and instability.
We declare with one voice that the blood of innocent sons and daughters will not be shed in vain. We will continue to stand firm in defense of truth, justice, and the dignity of our people, no matter the odds. History will judge not only the perpetrators but also the silence or complicity of leaders who fail to act.
Signed:
*Chief Timothy Baaki*
National President,
Ayatutu Cultural and Social Development Initiative (AYACASODI).
Editor’s Note:
This does not reflect the editorial view of this newspaper. All views, statistics and comments in this write-up are completely those of the organisation and author.
