News Editor
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
A Benue socio-cultural organization, Ayatutu Cultural and Social Development Initiative (AYACASODI) Worldwide has condemned in strong terms, the brutal attack on the peaceful border town of Anyiin, Logo Local Government Area, Benue State.
National President AYACASODI Worldwide, Chief Timothy Baaki, made this condemnation in a statement made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Saturday.
Recall that on October 30, 2024, heavily armed militias suspected to be “Fulani and Jukun” militias launched a midnight collaborated attack on Anyiin community, killing over 20 innocent people, destroying homes and properties worth millions of naira, and displacing thousands of people.
Baaki who described the continued premeditated attacks on the Tiv nation as highly unbearable, said herdsmen in collaboration with militias from neighbouring community have continuously launched brutal attacks on Gbeji, Ayati, Ayilamo, Iorza, Mchia, and other Tiv communities which demand the state and federal governments’ intervention.
He said “AYACASODI Worldwide categorically condemned these cruel assaults on defenseless civilians, violating human rights, social justice, and dignity.”
The group however commend the efforts of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), but alleged that the Army remained indifferent in their response to the recent attack on Anyiin.
He reported that Mr. Bobo Tordoo Suswam, a nephew to H.E. Sen. Dr. Barr. Gabriel Suswam, the former Governor of Benue State and immediate past Senator representing Benue North East, was butchered by the invaders at the gate of his house, directly opposite Corpers’ lodge which is the military base.
He said “The alleged failure of the military to intervene in such a critical situation raises serious questions about their effectiveness. We urge the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into this gross dereliction of duty and take swift, decisive action to hold those responsible accountable.”
He said the people of Anyiin deserve justice, and it is imperative that measures are taken to prevent such atrocities from happening again in the future.
According to him, the unprovoked act of terror has devastated residents and neighboring communities, forcing many to flee their homes and livelihoods in fear.
It was alleged that the attackers were in the nearby village of Ugbur, where they were reportedly regrouping for further violence and terror in the region, unfortunately no actions were taken and they again attacked Ayilamo Community, Logo Local Government Area the following night of 31st October 2024, killing and destroying homes.
“They also destroyed the Nigeria Police Station Ayilamo, documents in the station, and freed the inmates, not just that, many people were injured including the Police officer on duty.
AYACASODI Worldwide while sympathizing with the victims’ families, urged Sen. Emmanuel Udende, the Senator representing Benue North East, State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and all the heads of security agencies, to take swift and decisive action to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to thousands of displaced individuals who are now in desperate need of food, shelter, medical assistance, and trauma support.
“We call on the government, humanitarian organizations, and citizens to mobilize relief efforts for these vulnerable populations and ensure accountability and Justice.”
The group also called the federal government to deploy adequate security personnel to enhance security and protect Anyiin, Ayilamo, neighboring towns, and other affected regions from further assaults saying preventing future attacks is crucial to restoring peace and safeguarding lives.
He expressed commitment to defending individuals’ rights and promoting a peaceful, dignified, and just society calling on all Nigerians of good conscience to reject and condemn these senseless violent acts.
