The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, has ordered the Central Bank to pay the sum of N8 billion to some communities in Benue State over the invasion of their land by soldiers, Igbere TV reports.

Igbere TV reports that the affected areas include Tiv communities in Ukum, Logo, Kwande and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas of Benue State.

9janote.com Court Abuja

The order comes following a suit filed by the aforementioned communities in 2001, over the loss of lives and properties during the invasion by the armed soldiers.

Delivering judgement on Monday, the presiding judge, Justice Nyang Ekwo, said; “The CBN is hereby ordered to pay the garnishee sum into an interest-yielding account to be opened and maintained by the Chief Registrar of this court in First Bank of Nigeria Plc.

“The order authorising the disbursement of the money shall be made upon being satisfied with the terms of disbursement including the legal fees jointly singed by Ocha Ulegede, Esq, and J.K Gadzama, SAN, for the ganishors and endorsed by first-class chiefs of Jukun, Logo, Kwande, Katsina-Ala local government areas on behalf of the Tiv Traditional Council.”

The CBN and the Military are yet to react to the development as at press time.