Stop killings in Mangu or I’ll fight myself – COAS charges personnel

The Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen Taoreed Lagbaja has charged personnel and soldiers deployed to restore peace in Mangu local government area of Plateau State to end the killings in the region or else he will come and fight the battle himself.

He said with the mobilization given to the soldiers and the extra troops deployed to the troubled area, there is no excuse as to why the killings and unrest should continue.

“If this killing does not end, the next time I will be here is to put on my helmet and fight the battle myself”.

Lagbaja stated this on Saturday in Mangu when he came for on the spot  assessment of the killings that took place on the night of January 23, 2024.

Recall that 30 persons were killed in Mangu the same day Governor Caleb Mutfwang declared a 24 hours curfew.

The killings came after scores of people were also murdered on Christmas Eve 2023.

Series of other killings numbering over 300 persons since April 2023 had taken place.

The Army Chief had visited the Mangu in all the sequence of crises that had engulfed the region.

In all, this is the 3rd in series the Army big man will be visiting Mangu LGA to charge troops to step up their game.

According to him: “Six months ago I was here, and came back in December and now I am here again. I know that the situation in Mangu is complex because it has taken a religious coloration.

“I am charging you today to hunt down every lawbreaker. Apprehend and stamp them out.

“End the criminality and violence once and for all. The situation is not too much for you.

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“Don’t be deterred by all the social media comments. Those comments should not trigger any emotions on you.

“Don’t be discouraged, just focus on your job. Don’t also take sides. If I catch anyone taking sides I will enforce the law on you.

“You are here for a task and you must get the task done”, the Army boss said.