Residents of Tyungu Jam and Mbaav communities in Kwande Local Government Area, Benue State, were left in shock on Thursday as a mass burial for victims of last week’s bandit attack was abruptly disrupted.
Eleven victims of the attack, which occurred in Yaav and Mbadura wards, were scheduled for a mass burial. Families, along with priests and community members, had gathered at the morgue to claim the bodies when the mortuary attendant, Mr. MT Tiga, was reportedly abducted by armed thugs.
The facility was then sealed, preventing access to the deceased.
Governor Hyacinth Alia described the killings as “senseless and barbaric” and urged security agencies to apprehend those responsible.
The All Progressives Congress in Benue condemned the act, calling it disgraceful and suggesting it may have been sponsored to intimidate the community.
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Despite the disruption, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo of Plateau State officiated the burial, while Mr. Alex Barbir traveled from the United States to support the grieving families and bring international attention to the ongoing violence in the region.
Iorbee Ihagh, President General of Mdzough U Tiv Worldwide, described the incident as shameful and condemned anyone opposing the burial of the victims.
Meanwhile, Kwande LGA Chairman Neji Terhile urged caution, noting that organizing a mass burial in the volatile area posed serious security risks. Some of the victims, he added, had already been buried.
The abduction of the mortuary attendant and the obstruction of the burial have sparked outrage, highlighting the vulnerability of communities facing recurring bandit attacks in Benue State.
Authorities have been carried upon to investigate and ensure justice while safeguarding the rights of families to mourn their dead.
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