Zaki Biam Victims Of 2001 Army Invasion Rejects N8Billion Compensation From Federal Government ,Insists On N41.8Billion.

Victims of the army invasion in Katsina-Ala, Ukum, Kwande and Logo local government areas of Benue State, also known as “Zaki Biam Massacre” in 2001 have rejected the N8billion compensation offered them by the federal government through the Benue State government.

The over 14,000 victims insisted that no amount of money will compensate for the physical and emotional damage done to them during that invasion.

Addressing a world press conference in Abuja yesterday, lawyers to the victims led by Sebastine Hon (SAN) categorically stated that the victims are not ready to accept any amount less by one from the judgment debt of N41.8billion awarded over six years ago.

“We want to tell our respected president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, that my clients, nay entire Tiv Nation, are not ready to accept any amount less by one from the judgment debt of N41.8billion awarded over six years ago in favour of the plaintiffs/judgment creditors, who represent the interest of the over 14,000 other victims.

“I therefore, respectively use this medium to call on the president as the father of the Nigerian nation to direct all relevant agencies of the federal government to as a matter of utmost urgency satisfy to the hilt the judgment debt of N41.8billion. This will not only right the wrongs of the army, but also reassure the Tiv people that they are also bona fide Nigerians”, Hon pleaded.

Reacting to questions from the newsmen on whether the Benue State government has collected the N8billion on behalf of the victims, S.T. Hon said he was not sure of such claims.

Hon however stated that Benue State government was not a party in the suit and therefore cannot negotiate settlement on behalf of the victims.