By Kingsley Chijioke
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – The Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), a Military Task Force deployed to restore peace in Plateau State, has arrested some youths who are resisting curfew imposed by the Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
The Governor had imposed curfew in Mangu LGA and surrounding communities following the deteriorating security situation in the area.
However the CAN Chairman in Mangu had alleged that the curfew is not being complied in some Muslims areas after a major killings that claimed 30 lives took place on January 23 2024 during the curfew.
Following the allegations, some youths in a nearby community of Kerang took laws into their hands, defiled the curfew and attacked Air Force security operatives who were on ground to enforce the curfew.
Reacting to the breakdown of the order, the OPSH apprehended some of the youths causing mayhem.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued by the Spokesman of the OPSH, Capt. James Oya.
He said: “The OPSH strongly condemns the violent attack and destruction of properties by youths in Kerang communities.
“Not only did the community destroy and looted properties, but they also attacked Airforce Personnel enforcing the 24-hour curfew in Kerang Mangu.
“We have successfully apprehended the perpetrators and seized a cache of dangerous weapons used in the attack.
“In a shocking act of aggression, the youths of Kerang Mangu launched an assault on our troops deployed to maintain peace and security during the curfew.
“This attack, which included firing at the troops’ patrol vehicles, posed a significant threat to the safety of both the military personnel and the community at large.
“During the subsequent operation to apprehend the attackers, the military successfully recovered a significant arsenal of weapons.
“The seized items include one AK-47 rifle, four locally fabricated automatic rifles, one locally made mortar bomb launcher, seven empty shells of 7.62mm, one empty shell of a cartridge, one pistol magazine, 36 Boris, three rounds of 7.62mm, and seven rounds of 9 x 19mm.
“The military assures the people of Plateau that every effort will be made to ensure the safety and security of all law-abiding citizens. We call for the cooperation of the community in providing information that may lead to the apprehension of any individuals involved in unlawful activities”, the statement reads in parts.