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A disturbing incident of alleged military brutality has been reported in Turan, located along the Jato-Aka-Ugema road in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State. A young man, Mr. Igbyah Bill Mpuuga, was reportedly beaten unconscious by a soldier at a military checkpoint, sparking outrage and calls for a thorough investigation.
According to eyewitnesses, Mr. Mpuuga, who was caring for his sick mother, was stopped while heading to his farm to harvest cassava. He was allegedly ordered to fetch an empty sack from the soldiers’ camp and fill it with sand. Upon entering the camp, one of the soldiers allegedly struck him twice with a wooden object, rendering him unconscious.
The situation took a turn when another soldier, identified as Pastor, rescued Mr. Mpuuga and handed him over to his brother, Mr. Fater Atibee, who took him home. The incident has reportedly worsened his mother’s health condition, adding to the family’s distress.
Reacting to the development, Mr. Terfa Imomtswen, Senior Advocate for Justice and Good Governance, condemned the assault. He has called on the Benue State Government, the Nigerian Army Headquarters, and human rights organizations to urgently investigate the matter. Mr. Imomtswen emphasized the need to protect the people of Turan from further harassment, asserting that “they are citizens who deserve dignity and justice.”
This incident has raised concerns about the conduct of military personnel at checkpoints and the treatment of civilians. As the community awaits a response from the authorities, the call for accountability and justice grows louder.
