The Commander Special Military Task Force in Plateau State, code named Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Maj.Gen. Ibrahim Ali, has charged the traditional ruler of the Irigwe Chiefdom in Plateau State to call him directly should he hear of any attack in his locality.
“Call me directly when you hear of any attack in your community”, Gen. Ali told the traditional ruler, His Royal Highness, Rev. Ronku Brra Rigwe.
The Commander made the offer as a result of the news making the rounds that during the attack which took place in Miango in Bassa Local Government Area of the State last Sunday, residents were calling on the Force personnel attached to the area to rescue them but the personnel told the victims that the have not received orders to repel the assailants.
“I want to assure you that our soldiers did not say to the victims that they were not given instructions to repel the attackers.
“Every Soldier have the responsibility to act in a situation of an attack to those they were mandated to protect”, he said.
Ali stated this on Monday in Irigwe Chiefdom when he went to pay the traditional ruler a condolence visit on the unfortunate incident of attack that befell the community by unknown gunmen.
“We will investigate and if we found out that any soldier said that we will deal with him.
“I have deployed additional troops to this area so that the villagers will return back to their homes”, the OPSH boss said.
Responding, the traditional ruler laud the Military Commander for his visit saying he has taken him for his words.
The Royal Highness appealed to the Army boss to do all in his power to stop further attacks.
“Do all you can to stop these killings. I have taken you by your words and I wish you will help us. We have lived with the Fulanis for so long and we can’t tell why this is happening.
“Help my people to return to their homes”, the traditional ruler appealed.
However, the OPSH Commander also used the opportunity to tour round the affected troubled communities in Jos North LGA, donating relief materials to the vulnerable displaced victims of attacks.
In one of the communities, the Tanborong in Ganawuri Riyom LGA, the taskforce Commander charged the OPSH personnel attached to the area to gun down anyone carrying unauthorised weapon.
“I want to see results. Don’t segregate, deal with criminals, go to their hideouts and neutralise them”, he commands.