Claims that Hon. Dauda Agbu Samaila, the Executive Chairman, ordered the exhumation of Mrs. Atisaa Injuur Bem, a freshly buried woman from Benue, have stoked tensions among the Tiv communities of Wukari Local Government Area.
Mrs. Atisaa’s ancestral home in Tor-Iorshaer hamlet, situated at kilometre 15 along the Wukari-Rafin Kada route, was the site of her burial. She was 57 years old.
The long-lasting Jukun-Tiv communal crisis ended with her burial, which was held in accordance with Tiv customs.
Public uproar has been triggered by an alleged act of official mistreatment and a violent incident that occurred during the funeral.
Tragically, several mourners were attacked by suspected Jukun teenagers when they repaired a car to return to the IDP camp, according to Mr. Peter Achibo, leader of the Tiv IDP community in Wukari.
Approximately five kilometres away from the scene of the crime, at Rafin Kada, three mourners were allegedly kidnapped during the attack. According to eyewitnesses, the kidnappers breezed through a military roadblock.
Instead, the soldiers supposedly contacted Rafin Kada’s traditional king, who reportedly requested that the kidnapped individuals appear at his palace.
What transpired after that has been heavily criticised. Chairman Dauda Agbu Samaila allegedly fined the grieving family ₦300,000, had some members arrested, and, most tragically, ordered the exhumation of Mrs. Atisaa’s body, according to Mr. Achibo’s allegations.
Our people, both dead and living, are being attacked by this shameful abuse of power,” Achibo stated. If these measures are upheld, they will further polarise the country and establish a risky standard.”
This news follows reports that a local militia headed by Mr. Angyu Yavini allegedly desecrated the tomb of Michael Usange in the Chiina hamlet two days earlier.
Reports from eyewitnesses indicate that the local government authorities have yet to address or denounce the incident.
In light of these events, the following demands have been made by the Tiv community and leaders of the internally displaced people:
Release the family members who are currently in detention without conditions. The order of exhumation is completely reversed. Those guilty of the kidnapping and the grave desecration must be apprehended and brought to justice. Actions that will help the displaced Tiv people return safely to their homes in Wukari.