Jato-Aka, Kwande LGA Yesterday, the Movement for Turan Liberation (MTL), in collaboration with Turan Youth Volunteers, led a peaceful protest in Jato-Aka, Kwande Local Government Area, to voice their outrage over the ongoing killings of innocent Turan people by Fulani herdsmen. The demonstration was joined by numerous Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who have fled the violence, as well as concerned community members.
The protesters decried the false narrative of peace in Benue State, emphasizing that Turan remains in a state of turmoil, with no relief in sight. They expressed frustration at the government’s failure to address the rising violence and displacement, and called for urgent intervention to end the suffering of their people.
In a unified statement, the protesters outlined five key demands for immediate action from the government:
1. Immediate Government Intervention: They called for swift action to address the ongoing killings and to restore lasting peace in Turan, where daily attacks have left communities in fear and distress.
2. Investigation into the Crisis : Protesters demanded that the government conduct a thorough investigation into the root causes of the crisis in Turan and hold perpetrators accountable. They also called for an increased security presence in affected communities to prevent further attacks.
3. Humanitarian Support for IDPs : The protestors highlighted the dire need for urgent humanitarian assistance for the IDPs, who have been displaced by the protracted violence. Many of them are currently living in overcrowded camps with limited access to basic necessities.
4. Equitable Government Response Demonstrators urged the government to treat the people of Turan with the same priority and urgency as other communities affected by similar crises across Benue State, emphasizing that the Turan people are in desperate need of support.
5. Redeployment of Military Forces Protesters called for the redeployment of the army personnel currently stationed at Jato-Akaâ’s main market to the affected communities within Turan, where the killings are ongoing. They stressed that the presence of security forces in these areas is critical to restoring safety and preventing further bloodshed.
The protest concluded with a renewed commitment to continue advocating for justice and peace in Turan, while demanding that the federal government take immediate action to end the senseless violence and provide the necessary support for the displaced population.
As the crisis continues to unfold, the people of Turan remain resolute in their call for justice, peace, and a better future for their communities.
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