However, the Military Special Task Force code named Operation Safe Haven deployed to restore law and order in Plateau had said it will investigate the involvement of soldiers on duty at the Nkiedonwhro village of Bassa local government area of Plateau state when the villagers were killed.
Addressing newsmen in Jos, the National President of the Association, Hon. Sunday Abdu said circumstances surrounding the killing of the 27 people were questionable and called for thorough investigation adding that the unfortunate incident was barbaric and questionable.
“It classroom where our people were killed was next to the next classroom where the military use as their operational base. The military was aware of their presence as part of the security measures in the area. How comes that they were killed and the military next door was not aware”
He also faulted the curfew imposed on the locality by the state government adding that the curfew has further worsen and aggravated the situation “ Since the curfew was declared, the rate of the attack has increased. While we are indoor observing the curfew, the attackers took the advantage to launch fresh attack on us, because in most cases there is always no security men on ground. The curfew has not worked, therefore it should be lifted.
“The siege has continue with nothing done to review the effectiveness or otherwise of the curfew. The fact that the attacks has continue till date only confirm the skepticism of our people who had questioned its essence, as they now say it is obvious the curfew was only for the Irigwe people not for the marauding herdsmen”
Apparently worried by the allegation of complicity of Military in the lates attack, the Commander Special Task Force, Major General Anthony Atolagbe has stated that the allegation would be investigated.
Major General Anthony Atolagbe, who stated this when he went for on-the-spot assessment scene of the attack said the soldiers have been sent to the headquarters of the task force for proper investigation on how the attack took place in the village under their watch, especially that curfew was imposed on the village and there was supposed to be restriction on movement.
Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong, has said that the federal, state government and security operatives are working to ensure that the perpetrators of the Bassa killings are arrested and brought to book.
Lalong made this known on Tuesday on the spot assessment of the scene of the incident and a visit to His royal highness Bra Ngwe Irigwe, Rev. Ranku Aka retired to condole and plead with the people to embrace peace and live in paece and harmony with one another.
Lalong who could not hold back his emotion assured that the government is on top of the situation and will continue to work with the security agencies towards fishing out the perpetrators adding that his administration would continue to work with traditional rulers in the state to bring peace and development to the people at the grassroots.
Lalong disclosed that Security has been reinforced, while intelligence and security search and Patrol have also been intensified to ensure the immediate arrest of the culprits.
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