Nigerian soldiers, on reprisal mission, have sacked six villages in the Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, killing six persons, including a pregnant woman. The six villages are, Olegadakolo, Ikpele, Otugologwu, Iwali, Okpanchenyi and Egba — were sacked by the soldiers.
The soldiers were unlawfully retaliating the killing of a soldier at the weekend by some youths in the area.
However, the Brigade Commander of the 707 Special Force, Brig. Clement Apere, has denied that soldiers attacked the people.
“The operation we conducted in the area was carried out in a professional way,” he claimed.
But, sources from Agatu, told the Punch on Tuesday that the six villages were sacked by the soldiers.
At Egba community, sources told the newspaper that a pregnant woman was hit by a stray bullet, adding that the six villages had been deserted.
“This is genocide on our people, as I’m talking to you now, six villages have been sacked, children and women have moved out of the affected villages, while many people have been arrested by the invading soldiers,” a resident of one of the villages, said.
The council’s sole administrator, Mr. Mike Inalegwu admitted the invasion of military personnel, but denied the killings.
“There is no iota of truth in that, no one was killed, the military were only on the mission to recover their arms and ammunition,” he said.
Speaking at a press conference, the commander, 707 Special Forces Brigade, Brig. Gen. Clement Apere, said only one person was arrested.
What he failed to tell Nigerians is who ordered the invasion he claimed was conducted in a professional way and which law permitted the soldiers to embark on the operation?
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