By Chijioke Kingsley
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – A family of five who hailed from Mangu local government area of Plateau State, were killed by the Special Military Task Force code named Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), during the 2023 Christmas Eve attack by Fulani gunmen that claimed several lives.
A Spokesman for the Family, Mr. Longs Datom who spoke to our journalists on Thursday in Jos said the Mangu villagers who were killed only approached the military after overnight gunshots kept them awake throughout the night.
He said as he approached the military, they were shot and killed while the only survivor had his hand amputated.
“They wanted to confirm whether it was terrorists, assailants or bandits that were shooting at night, so that they could escape with their wives and children to avoid a repetition of what happened during the 2023 Christmas Eve.
“In the midst of this, they discovered it was some soldiers on a gun truck. On seeing them, they relaxed and calmed down with happiness as the soldiers are meant to protect them and their community.
“Unfortunately and surprisingly, the soldiers turned their gun truck against them and shot at them. In the process, one of the villagers, Damden was hit on his chest and a bullet pierced through his shoulder, and he died instantly.
“The same bullet hit Mr. Sunday Yusuf on his right hand and shattered it completely which led to him being amputated.
“The body of Damden has been deposited at the mortuary by the family and is yet to be buried until investigation is carried out”, Datom said.
There was no justification to have opened fire on harmless and defenseless civilians who ordinarily deserve better protection from the military but rather they were killed with heavy weapons like machine guns, Dantom continued.
Yusuf, a father of four and a youth leader of the community who’s hand is now amputated only wanted to know why the overnight shooting persisted but rather than getting answers, he was shot at by the OPSH, against the rules of engagement, Dantom said.
“We have written petitions through some of our concerned lawyers to the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbtokun, demanding thorough investigation and prosecution.
“In another separate letter, a petition was written to the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa and a copy forwarded to the Governor of the State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang.
“Petitions have also been written to the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division and Commander Operation Safe Haven, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, the DSS and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice”.
Dantom called on the high military command to launch a thorough investigation to unmask those behind the killing and ensure justice is served.
“In the letters written, two weeks was given to the military to respond to the petition which elapsed on the 20th of February, 2024”, he said.
“The deceased is the breadwinner of the family, he left behind his wife, Tina Damden and three children named, Plangnan Damden, 14 years, Peret Damden 9 years and Dyelshak Damden 6 years old”.
Also, Mr. Sunday Yusuf, whose hand was amputated, has 4 children and a wife with nobody to help him, he said.
The deceased wife, Tana and the amputee, Yusuf said they are calling on the government and the Military to compensate them so they can cater for their families.
Responding, the Media officer officer of the Military Task Force, Capt. James Oya, said he is not aware of the incident but informed that since the family has written a petition, the petition unit of the task-force will respond to them.
Oya said the story as narrated by Mr Dantom cannot be true as the military cannot just open fire on innocent unarmed civilians who simply approached them for safety or to seek information.
