By Sam Kayode
Sequel to a security alert issued by some concerned sections of the intelligence community on the Plateau yesterday, two people have been reportedly ambushed and killed some metres away from Sector 6 Headquarters of Operation Safe Haven, Riyom council area.
Our Intel source, who pleaded anonymity, noted that the two residents – Dachung Gyang Zam and Zam Ali Davou – were ambushed and killed by the bandit militia in the wee hours of yesterday.
He said that though they could only identify two of the victims who were murdered in the night, much cannot be said of the general area until first light today when members of the Operation Safe Haven ascertain what led to the murder of the two gentlemen.
Meanwhile a security alert has gone out that Fulani militias are bent on revenge attack on some communities on the Plateau for the alleged murder of two of their kinsmen.
The security alert which came from credible intelligence sources noted that the “Fulani militias rose up from a meeting at Mahanga at about 4:30pm, yesterday and resolved to invade Kombun and Nboi communities of Mangu council areas.
Other communities that they warned that residents should watch out include.” Baten, Tashek, Wereng-Camp, and environs of Riyom council areas.”
And of particular mention was ” Fan axis of Barkin Ladi council area this night, 2/5/2023. All villages within those areas should be on serious alert, pls”.
The bandit militia are believed to be on a desperate move to revenge the alleged killing of two of their men within the Plateau.
STATEMENT BY PLATEAU YOUTHS ON OPERATION SAFE HAVEN MISLEADING
Meanwhile the operation safe haven has reacted to a statement by Plateau youths who have accused them of complicity
The statement signed by one Captain Oya James noted that the security outfit formed to maintain internal security on the Plateau can never and has never been complicit in its operations in the state.
“The Special Task Force Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) has monitored a press briefing by the leadership of the Plateau State Youth Council where it was alleged that Operation SAFE HAVEN did little to save lives and wrongfully arrested and detained innocent persons, while also accusing the command of complicity. These allegations are not only misleading but untrue.”
It went on: “While OPSH is not known for joining issues with any individual or group whose major occupation is to undermine the legitimacy and integrity of the command spanning over a decade; this deliberate attempt to discredit the successes recorded by OPSH on the Plateau in areas of kinetic and non-kinetic operations would not be tolerated.
“The Operation over the years has made quantifiable sacrifices including losing lives of its troops to achieve peace on the Plateau and environs. It is therefore unfortunate for a known and respected group like the Plateau Youth Council to accuse OPSH of complacency.
“The recent unrest in parts of Plateau State have been strongly addressed by OPSH through timely deployment of troops to confront assailants in the affected communities.
“We have neutralised scores of the perpetrators of the dastardly acts and many sustaining gunshot wounds. Several arrests have been made and currently undergoing interrogations. Those found culpable will be made to face the full wrath of the law.
“The affected communities have also been dominated with aggressive patrols to prevent further breach of the peaceful existence achieved in recent past.
“Operation SAFE HAVEN wishes to assure the good people of Plateau State that it is committed to protecting lives and property of all. We have stepped up our operational capability and will descend heavily on anybody perpetrating or aiding criminality.
“To live in peace, we must live together and to flush criminal elements out of our communities, we must support the security agencies.
“The general public especially Plateau residents must trust OPSH by providing timely information to aid the operations of troops. OPSH remain committed to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens from criminal elements and it would not be deterred by false allegations from individuals or group.
“We once again urge all law abiding citizens to disregard the false allegation. Rather render support to security agencies as they work tirelessly to restore peace and security in our beloved Plateau State.” said the statement.
