Outrage in Taraba as Council Chairman allegedly orders exhumation of Benue woman’s body after burial.
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Tension is escalating in Tiv communities within Wukari Local Government Area in Taraba following allegations that the Executive Chairman, Hon. Dauda Agbu Samaila, ordered the exhumation of a recently buried Benue woman, Mrs. Atisaa Injuur Bem.
Mrs. Atisaa, 57, was laid to rest at her ancestral home in Tor-Iorshaer village, located at kilometre 15 along the Wukari–Rafin Kada road.
Her burial, conducted according to Tiv customs, marked the end of a long period of displacement caused by the protracted Jukun-Tiv communal crisis.
However, the funeral was marred by a violent incident and an alleged act of official abuse that has sparked public outcry.
According to the leader of the Tiv IDP community in Wukari, Mr. Peter Achibo, the tragedy deepened shortly after the burial when suspected Jukun youths attacked some mourners who were repairing a vehicle to return to the IDP camp.
During the assault, three mourners were reportedly abducted and taken to nearby Rafin Kada, approximately five kilometres from the scene.
Eyewitnesses said that the abductors passed through a military checkpoint without resistance.
Instead, soldiers allegedly contacted the traditional ruler of Rafin Kada, who is said to have demanded the presence of the abducted victims at his palace.
What followed has drawn widespread condemnation. Mr. Achibo alleges that Chairman Dauda Agbu Samaila imposed a ₦300,000 fine on the grieving family, ordered the arrest of some members, and shockingly, instructed that the body of Mrs. Atisaa be exhumed.
“This is a shameful abuse of power and an attack on our people, both dead and living,” Achibo said.
“These actions, if allowed to stand, will deepen divisions and set a dangerous precedent.”
The development comes just two days after a similar incident in Chiina community, where the grave of one Michael Usange was reportedly destroyed by a local militia led by one Mr. Angyu Yavini.
Witnesses claimed no response or condemnation has come from the local government authorities regarding the act.
In response to these incidents, the Tiv community and IDP leaders have issued the following demands:
Immediate and unconditional release of the detained family members.
Full reversal of the exhumation order.
Arrest and prosecution of individuals responsible for the abduction and grave desecration.
Concrete steps to facilitate the safe return of displaced Tiv persons to their homes in Wukari in Taraba.
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