By Chijioke Kingsley
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has lauded the Military Task Force in Plateau State, code named Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), for putting so much effort to ensure that peace returns to the troubled part of the State.
Mutfwang said despite the loss of life in Bokkos Local Government Area of the State, on the night of 24th of December 2023 (Christmas Eve), the taskforce has done everything within their powers to safeguard life in the various parts of their deployment. https://sundiatapost.com/plateau-killings-military-begins-civil-military-relationship-to-win-hearts-and-minds/
“It is gladdening to mention that the efforts of troops in Operation Safe haven have provided an enabling environment and support upon which the State government activities are thriving.
“The relative peace and security that is being enjoyed is as a result of the concerted efforts of the military and other security agencies in support of the government of Plateau State in its determination to restore Peace to its glory of being the Home of Peace and Tourism”, the Governor said on Monday in Mangu LGA during a Christmas Luncheon organized for troops of the OPSH by the Chief of Army Staff.
According to him: “I urge you all not to relent in your efforts until Plateau State is entirely secured. Let me restate the commitment of my administration in supporting the troops of Operation Safe Haven with logistics within the available resources of the State to tackle the myriad of security challenges, particularly the fresh attacks that led to loss of lives in some parts of Mangu and Bokkos LGAs. https://sundiatapost.com/tinubu-orders-acf-to-intervene-in-plateau-killings/
“We shall continue to strengthen other security agencies to complement the efforts of the troops.
“Today’s event brings back some nostalgic feelings as seen in the various cultural performances displayed by the beautiful array of dances and artists. No doubt, Plateau State is uniquely blessed with a rich cultural heritage. For us as a State, we must continue to harness this rich cultural diversity to solidify our unity and promote tourism.
“Let me, at this juncture, on behalf of the Government and people of Plateau State, express my sincere appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja for his doggedness and resilience in tackling the various security challenges confronting the nation.
“I will not end this speech without thanking the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for supporting the Armed Forces and providing leadership.
“As you celebrate the End of Year Luncheon initiated by the Chief of Army Staff to mark Christmas 2023 and New Year 2024, I wish you a joyous celebration.
“Let me also thank the Commander Operation Safe Haven and General Officer Commanding 3 Division for his resilience and commitment towards permanent peace in Plateau.
“I wish to also commend the troops for their determination to protect Plateau citizens.
Responding, the General officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division Nigerian Army, and Commander Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, said troops under his Command have lost quite a number of soldiers while chasing bandits out of the State.
Abubakar said the night of the attack he received over 36 distress calls which were all responded to.
He said a wounded soldier as a result of the attack is currently at the hospital waiting to receive pints of blood.
The Commander promised to fish out those behind the recent attack vowing to bring them to book.
Recall that it was a black Christmas day for some communities in Plateau State as rampaging gunmen killed no fewer than 115 people, injured many, and displaced quite a lot of residents of the affected communities in a midnight operation on Christmas eve.
Also recall that 16 people were killed and many injured in the Lisham community of Mangu local government area last Saturday by gunmen suspected to be killer herdsmen.
Our correspondent gathered that the rampaging gunmen, in an operation similar to guerrilla warfare carried out simultaneous attack on 27 villages in communities in Bokkos and Barakin-Ladi LGAs, respectively.
It was also gathered that the marauders attacked Butura Kampani, Fatamba, Fashar, Garau, Angwan and Mbar communities in the Bokkos LGA as well as Ruku, Hurum, Darwat, Mai Yanga Sabo, and NTV villages in Gashish and Ropp districts of Barkin Ladi LGA.
A security source had disclosed that the attacks were carried out simultaneously in these communities at about 10:00 p.m. when the inhabitants had gone to bed