By Jude Owuamanam, Managing Editor, Northern Operations
Fear and apprehension have gripped Jos and its environs following a fresh resurgence of the killings in Southern Kaduna.
No fewer than 21 persons were reported to have been killed in the villages of Kaura and Jema’a Local Government Areas in southern Kaduna State, in an upsurge of the sectarian violence that had pitted the indigenous farming population against the itinerant Fulani herdsmen..
The killing by suspected Fulani herdsmen came despite the presence of security agents, launched attacks on four communities, prompting the Kaduna state government to request the relocation the Garrison Commander of the Army’s 1 Division and the Commissioner of Police relocated to the area.
However the echoes of the killings have resurged in northern part of Plateau state, especially communities in Barakin Ladi, Jos south, and Riyom bordering Southern Kaduna.
The fears were further fuelled by text and online messages warning about an impending attack on the Plateau.
However the Commander of the Special Task Force also known as Operation Safe Haven, Maj. Gen. Rogers Nicholas, has allayed the fears of the residence of the state.
Nicholas, speaking to newsmen in Jos said that the messages were the work of some mischief makers and misguided elements who were out to create unnecessary panic and fear.
He said that such texts had been in circulation since 2012, when the crises in the state were at its peak, adding that there is no threat to anybody living in Plateau state.
Moreover the commander said that the crisis in Southern Kaduna was being handled and curtailed and advised the people to go about their normal duties as there is no imminent threat from the skirmishes in Southern Kaduna.