A violent incident occurred on Tuesday in Jato Aka community, Kwande Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue state, resulting in the deaths of three people, including two students.

According to eyewitnesses, soldiers engaged in a gun battle with criminals, but locals alleged that the military personnel opened fire on mourners returning from the burial of Chief Hanave Laha, a kindred head in Nzaav, Yaav Council Ward, Turan District.

The shooting, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon, was described by eyewitnesses as unprovoked and a gross violation of human rights.

A local who pleaded anonymity said two students of Government Science Secondary School, Jato Aka, identified as Iorfa and another yet to be identified, were hit by a bullet that penetrated another victim, Mr. Iorsuur, who was reportedly shot at close range. One other student was also injured.

He said the injured student is currently receiving treatment at NKST General Hospital, Jato Aka.

However, Mr. Iorsuur’s body was allegedly whisked away by soldiers to an undisclosed location.

He disclosed that the incident has paralysed commercial and school activities in Jato Aka, as heavily armed soldiers continue to patrol the town in gun trucks at high speed, heightening fear among residents.

“The community leaders in the affected area have called on state and federal authorities to intervene immediately to restore calm.

“The case has already been reported to the Kwande Local Government Chairman, Hon. Vitalis Neji, and the President-General of Kwande United People’s Organisation (KWUPO), Comrade Aloko Nachi Simon”, he noted.

The cause of the attack is not yet known, and an investigation is expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the incident.

As at the time of filling this report, military authorities were yet to react to the incident.