By Chijioke Kingsley
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – It is a mixed feelings in Plateau State on Sunday, when the news of the redeployment of Senior Army Officers rented the air, including the Plateau finest, Maj-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, bowing out of the State as the General Officer Commanding (GOC), and the Commander Operation Safe Haven (OPSH).
Mixed feelings? Yes, because on assumption of office, Mangu local government area of the State, was engulfed in a long mass killings between the Fulanis and the natives of the general area of Mangu, Riyom, Barkin Ladi and some parts of Bassa LGA of the State.
From day one as the Army boss in charge, he temporarily relocated the Headquarters of the OPSH base from Jos to Mangu, aimed at dealing with the incessant killings in the general area.
“We are not here to Joke”, he said while charging troops to halt the killings in the shortest possible time.
Abubakar said the move will enable him to work in synergy with the local authority to mitigate the situation.
“I have relocated the headquarters of OPSH here so we can work with the local authority,” our correspondent had quoted Abubakar as saying.
“We will stay here until we stabilize the situation. The Governor is disturbed by the happenings, and that is why I am personally here to lead my troops.
“We won’t allow the situation to deteriorate further. We are not here to joke; and so we will be decisive, fair and firm”, he had said.
The rest was history, when peace returned to not just the area, but to other parts of the troubled zones of the State and Southern Kaduna being the areas of responsibility under his command.
The people of the State and Southern Kaduna could not believe it when life returned to normal with several festive seasons celebrated without blood sheds always tagged “Black Christmas, Easter, Salah or New year”.
Kinetic and non-kinetic approaches were deployed by Gen. Abubakar to ensure stability.
Several stakeholders engagements held to sensitize locals on the need to coexist.
Minimal force was also used where needed to ensure peace returned to every corner of his area of responsibility, our correspondent reports.
Various arms and ammunition were recovered from criminals and bandits as they were being paraded almost every week, our reporter say.
“This is why the people of the State are sad on hearing the news of his transfer, knowing fully well that he worked tirelessly to restore peace in the State”.
Our correspondent informs that Gen. Abubakar is the only OPSH Commander who has exceeded one year in office due to his commitment to peace.
The Defence Headquarters regulatory act for Task Force Commanders stipulates one year tenure, but Abubakar resumed office in July 2023 and bowed out in January 2025, our correspondent said.
