The Mbayongo community in Taraba and Benue has petitioned the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) over the alleged wanton killings and destruction of property worth millions of naira by the Nigeria Army and Air Force. The community alleged that the destruction was carried out by the military on the claim of searching for a wanted criminal, one Terwase Akwaza popularly known as ‘Ghana.’
The community is also demanding N3 billion as compensation for the lives and property destroyed.
This was contained in the petition signed by the secretary of the community Macdonald Usaa and acknowledged by the NHRC which was made available to Cityfile in Jalingo.
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The community wondered why the Nigeria Army and Air Force who should be protecting the fundamental human rights of the people as guaranteed by the constitution of Nigeria would engage in wanton killings and destruction of property belonging to a defenceless community.
“In the wake of the sustained attacks by the armed forces on our communities, we and the vast majority of villages where these attacks have been concentrated were completely overwhelmed. We are now desolate and devastated as we have suffered destruction of property and lives.
“The massive burning down and general destruction of houses and homes, sundry household items, farms, crops, economic trees, vehicles, machineries, foodstuffs, schools among others as the armed forces do not exercise any care during these attacks.
“The community is demanding monetary compensation of N3 billion only to the families of those killed in the raids to enable them to take care of the relations of victims.”
They also urged the commission to investigate the killings as well as direct the Federal Government to rehabilitate the people and reconstruct their homes and farms destroyed.
