VICTIMS of of the military invasion of Zaki-Ibiam in Benue
State have demanded from the presidency, the immediate payment of the
N41.8 billion special and general damages compensation awarded them six
years ago by a Federal High Court sitting in Markurdi, over the mass
killing of their people and destruction of their properties.
The money was awarded the Tiv people who, in 2001, were invaded by
soldiers in Logo, Ukum, Kwande and Katsina Ala local government areas of
the state, where over 2,000 citizens were reportedly killed by the
military.
It will be recalled that on October 22 to 24, 2001, several hundred
soldiers of the Nigerian Army killed more than 200 unarmed civilians and
destroyed homes, shops, public buildings and other property in more
than seven towns and villages in Benue State.
Gbeji was among the worst-hit locations, as more than 150 people were
killed there alone, while more than 20 were killed in the larger market
town of Zaki-Biam, with others killed in several other villages.
The N41.8 billion was awarded against the Federal Government as
compensation for the arbitrary deployment of soldiers against the
innocent and harmless citizens.
In a letter to President Goodluck Jonathan, the victims asked the
president to respect and obey the rule of law, by ordering the payment
of the judgment debt without any further delay.
In the letter, dated February 20, 2013 and signed by their counsel,
Sebastine Hon, the victims recalled that the N41.8 billion was awarded
to them by Justice Lewis Alagoa in 2007 in his judgment in their suits,
where they demanded payment of about N200 billion for the state assault
against them.
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