A yet-to-be-identified number of people have allegedlybeen killed after soldiers invaded Kadarko, Kurmi and
Wadata villages of Wase Local Government Area of
Plateau State following the alleged killing of four soldiers
by persons.
Our correspondent gathered that the soldiers, who arrived
the villages in over 40 trucks, were on a revenge mission
over the alleged killing of their colleagues at Angwan
Nanmi in Karin Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba
State.
Executive Director of Stefanos Foundation, Mr. Mark
Lipdo, quoting sources from the village, alleged, during an
interview with our correspondent on Saturday, that the
military men opened fire on innocent people and burnt
houses.
Lipdo said, “Information says soldiers in over 40 trucks
arrived Kadarko, Kurmi and Wadata of Wase LGA in
Plateau State today (Saturday) following report of alleged
killing of four soldiers at Angwan Nanmi, Karin Lamido
LGA of Taraba State.
“According to residents, the soldiers arrived and opened
fire on innocent people, burning houses. It is not clear why
soldiers would open fire on the people they are supposed to
defend.
“Sources said it is in retaliation for the killings of their
colleagues. Others denied this, more so when two of the
four soldiers allegedly killed were even Tarohs from this
area.
Villagers would rather believe it is a deliberate plan by the
outgoing governor to intimidate the people of the area,
following the overwhelming votes from the area that
changed the results of the last election.”
Spokesman for the Special Task Force, Capt. Ikedichi
Iweha, while reacting to the allegation last night, said there
was no truth in the claim that its members attacked
anybody.
He said the operation was meant to check gunmen, who had
been terrorising residents and security personnel in the area.
According to him, following frequent attacks on
communities around the Plateau-Taraba border by some
militiamen, the STF and soldiers from the 3 Armoured
Division of the Nigerian Army, had been carrying out
operations targeted at flushing out the militiamen.
He argued that soldiers, who were working to protect
innocent civilians, could not turn around to kill the same
civilians.
Source: PunchNg