Bodies of three missing young people who went on a Christmas picnic at River Buruku in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State have been recovered by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp, NSCDC, on Thursday.
It was gathered that the carnival which the State Government and the Tiv Traditional Council banned over its negative vices were held by the youths on the 25th of December 2021.
Following reports of missing persons, the deceased; 18-year-old Chiater Achir, 20-year-old Aondoso Lorliam and 30-year-old Aondogu Gbir were recovered by a search team of divers.
The Public Relations Officer of the command in the state, Deputy Superintendent of Corps, Ejelikwu Anebi Michael, stated that security agencies were sent to maintain law and order at the carnival but the number of youths outnumbered the officials.
“On Friday 24th December, 2021, at about 1020hrs, The Command got credible Intelligence about the Illegal gathering of youths in hundreds of thousands at the River Buruku for what they termed as Picnic and Carnival,” he stated.
“The Benue State Government and Tiv Traditional Council have at different intervals banned this Carnival owing to its negative vices, however Youths still went ahead with the Carnival.
“The Command on the strength of the Intelligence deployed men to the location on the 25th December, 2021 in collaboration with Sister Agencies to maintain law and order and if possible stop the Carnival from holding but the numbers of the Youths outnumbered Security Officials.
“However, on Sunday 26th December, 2021, there were unsubstantiated reports of missing persons, which were confirmed on Monday 27th December, 2021 after three dead bodies were recovered by a search team of divers at about 1000 hrs.”
Selumun Philemon Ndilan wrote on Facebook;
“Chiater Achir you have gone too soon.I will forever miss you.may your gentle soul rest in peace.”
