By Chijioke Kingsley
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – The Commander Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Maj. -Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar upon assuming duty in Plateau State, embarked on his first assignment in Mangu Local Government Area of the State, where incessant killings have been ongoing for over three months.
With a renewed killing on Saturday night by suspected herdsmen leaving 12 persons dead and houses burnt, the Commander of the taskforce, Maj. -Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar mobilised to the scene with troops giving directives and charging soldiers to go after the perpetrators and fish them out.
Speaking with newsmen after a tour round the affected area on Sunday morning, Gen. Abubakar assured that the taskforce was at the crisis prone area to end the killings.
“We are not here for games. I have temporarily relocated from the headquarters to Mangu until the killing is brought to a halt.
“We have had enough killings in the Plateau and this has to stop.
“Wherever you find insecurity you can hardly find development in that area. So it is time we put this to a halt.
“We will not continue to tolerate those killing people, destroying houses and farm crops in our area of operation.
“We will be firm, decisive and fair to all in discharging our constitutional mandate of protecting lives and properties.
“Those whose stock-in-trade is killing innocent citizens must desist or be ready to face the consequences of their actions as the taskforce is ready to confront the security challenges bedeviling the State.
“OPSH will not sit and watch the national security being threatened by any person or group. We will be ruthless in dealing with criminal elements and restoring peace to crisis prone communities”, he said.
On his part, a Human Right activist, Comrade Jerry Datim, who hails from Mangu said the attackers invaded the area at about 10:55 pm on Saturday, shooting sporadically and setting houses on fire.
“The killed 12 persons, among the 12, three persons were burnt in their homes and several other houses burnt down”, he said.
However, the Governor of Plateau State Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, reacting to the development, imposed a 24 hours curfew in Mangu LGA as a result of the fresh attacks.
In a statement issued by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, the Governor said this was done in consultation with Security Chiefs in the State.
The statement directs the immediate restriction of movements within the Local Government until further notice, except for security agents and those on essential duties. The statement further directs strict enforcement of the curfew in the area.
Mutfwang has however assured the people that the government is working round-the-clock to restore peace and security in the affected areas.
