Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, from Wukari local government council of Taraba State, currently taking refuge in Benue State, have appealed to Governor Agbu Kefas to intervene in what they described as gross violation of human dignity, following an order to exhume the remains of the Late Mrs Atisaa Injuur Bem.

In a statement issued to journalists on Thursday and signed by the IDPs’ leader, Peter Achibo, the group denied claims that the deceased, a 57-year-old woman recently buried at Kilometer 15, Tor-Iorshaer village along the Wukari–Rafin Kada road, was a native of Benue State.

According to the IDPs, Mrs Bem was buried in her ancestral home in accordance with Tiv tradition and customs.

“As leader of the internally displaced persons from Wukari local government, I wish to, on behalf of all displaced Tiv persons, debunk the claim by Jukun youth that we buried a Benue woman in Taraba. Late Mrs Atisaa Injuur Bem was from Tor-Iorshaer village in Wukari council of Taraba state and was buried in accordance with our customs,” the statement read.

The group also condemned the reported arrest and detention of mourners who attended the burial. They alleged that a fine of N300,000 was demanded for their release on the orders of the leadership of the council.

The Tiv Cultural and Social Association in Taraba, along with traditional rulers and elders, have condemned the growing attacks and demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the Jukun youth leader.

When contacted, the Wukari council chairman, Samailla Dauda, denied knowledge of the allegation, describing it as lies from the pit of hell.

He also denied the allegation of extortion, urging those behind the allegation to make it public the name of those who collected the sum of N300, 000.

The chairman who announced that he has been preaching peace in the nooks and crannies of the council, urged those going about trying to sow seeds of discords among the people of the council, to as a matter of urgency desist from such an act.