By Our Correspondent
ABUJA—A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Terkaa Aondo, has raised alarm over a violent incident in Anuku community, Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, alleging that personnel of the Nigerian Army were involved in an attack on unarmed residents amid a dispute over mining activities.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Aondo condemned what he described as “violent attacks and sporadic shooting” in Anuku village, Kanje district, which reportedly left casualties, injuries and displacement of villagers.
He alleged that the incident, which occurred on April 18, 2026, followed the commencement of mining operations on community farmlands by a private firm, IVAGOM Integrated Solutions Ltd, without the consent of the affected landowners.
According to him, preliminary reports from the community indicate that the crisis led to loss of lives, including that of one Moses Utim, 37, while several others sustained injuries and were forced to flee their homes.
Aondo further alleged that the attack was carried out by armed individuals mobilised from neighbouring Kanje and that security personnel failed to prevent the violence.
“The violent attack and sporadic shooting unleashed on unarmed and peace-loving people of Anuku village is highly condemnable,” he said. “Reports indicate that armed individuals attacked residents, inflicted grievous injuries, destroyed properties and forced men, women and children to flee their homes.”
He added that the presence of security operatives at the scene without effective intervention raises serious concerns about the protection of lives and property.
The senior lawyer also alleged that access roads leading out of the community were subsequently blocked, a development he said worsened the plight of affected residents and limited their movement.
On the mining dispute, Aondo claimed that the company’s operations were carried out without due process, including lack of consultation and compensation to landowners.
“Available facts reveal that mining operations commenced on farmlands belonging to members of the Anuku community without their consent, adequate compensation or regard for their means of livelihood,” he said.
He maintained that the alleged actions violate provisions of the 1999 Constitution, particularly the rights to life, dignity of the human person, freedom of movement and ownership of property.
“The use of the state’s security apparatus to perpetrate violence against civilians over land or commercial interests can never be justified,” he stated, insisting that the sanctity of life must be preserved.
Aondo called on relevant authorities to take immediate steps to address the situation and ensure accountability.
He urged security agencies to restore law and order in the area and guarantee the safe return of displaced persons.
He also called for investigations by the Defence Headquarters, the National Human Rights Commission and the Nasarawa State Government into the alleged involvement of security personnel in the incident.
Similarly, he tasked the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force to conduct what he described as a thorough and impartial probe to identify and prosecute those responsible.
The senior advocate further appealed to the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to investigate the activities of the mining firm and determine its compliance with existing laws and regulations.
He also urged the Nasarawa State Government and Awe Local Government authorities to take urgent measures to protect the rights and welfare of the affected community.
Aondo called for compensation and humanitarian support for families of those who lost their lives, injured victims and displaced residents.
In addition, he urged the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to publicly assure citizens that their personnel would not be used for unlawful operations.
He appealed to the Nasarawa State governor, the Chief of Army Staff and the Inspector-General of Police to act swiftly to prevent further escalation of violence.
“The Tiv people of Anuku village, like other Nigerians, deserve protection from the government, not persecution,” he said.
While warning against a breakdown of law and order, Aondo stressed that no individual or organisation has the right to dispossess citizens of their land or threaten their lives under any guise.
He vowed to continue advocating for peace and justice in the area, urging authorities to uphold the rule of law and ensure lasting resolution of the crisis.
