On Thursday, the people of Jato Aka in the Turan district of Kwande Local Government Area, Benue State, gathered for a mass funeral to honor those killed in last week’s brutal raid.
This collective burial marks a painful turning point for the grieving community, following a period where local officials had restricted individual funeral services.
The ceremony took place after days of heavy hearts and logistical limbo. Reports indicate that a temporary ban on burials had been enacted during a high-profile visit from government representatives and an American humanitarian, Alex Barbir. This delay meant that families had to wait several days before they could finally lay their loved ones to rest.
Crowds of residents converged for the somber event, where the victims’ remains were interred amid a heavy atmosphere of sorrow and public mourning.
The tragedy hit home for many, including the family of Chief Fabian Yaga, who were among those mourning lost relatives. Neighbors described the impact on the town as catastrophic, noting that nearly every home has been touched by the violence.
The killings have once again put a spotlight on the deteriorating security situation in rural Benue, where farming communities remain vulnerable to sudden, violent incursions.
One man at the scene, who noted he had already been forced from his home as an internally displaced person, spoke of the deep trauma.
“Losing loved ones suddenly to violence is a pain beyond words. Only God remains our refuge,” he remarked.
Bem Gbande, a community leader present at the graveside, offered a short prayer for those lost, saying, “May their souls rest in peace.”
Another resident, Ibya Tyokase, expressed a sense of abandonment, suggesting that the community’s cries for help are being ignored.
“When we say there is Christian genocide going on, some people won’t believe it. But right here are corpses of Christians,” he stated.