Following a recently conducted air reconnaissance in Jos, Plateau State, the Nigeria Military have established the presence of some terrorists in some villages. “The terrorists are using the civilian population as human shield,” said Air Vice Marshal Dick Iruenabere, of the Defence Headquarters.
Thousands of Fulani inhabitants of the five villages in Plateau State slated for military operations were moved out and camped at four locations in Riyom and Barkin Ladi on Monday, following an agreement between community leaders and security authorities.
The villagers, predominantly Fulani herdsmen, agreed to relocate temporarily at the expiration of a 48-hour evacuation deadline on the condition that they would be allowed to return after two days and that their property would be protected.
The Special Task Force (STF) had ordered villagers in Mahanga, Kakuruk, Kuzen, Maseh and Shong to leave to give way for an operation to root out terrorists following violence in Riyom and Barkin Ladi local government areas.
The development had resulted in strident criticism from activists, while some community leaders in the affected areas vowed to resist the order. Defence Headquarters subsequently warned that it would not back down from the deadline, thus escalating the tensions.
However, beginning on Monday, and continuing on Tuesday, the Special Task Force assisted willing villagers to relocate to prepared temporary camps.
“The only difference now with the earlier statement is that the people were asked to move to some specified locations within Riyom and Barkin Ladi local government areas,” said Saleh Momale, the Executive Director of the Pastoral Resolve. “The assurances provided by the STF were that there will be no killing, arrest and intimidation of Fulani people. That their houses and properties left behind will be adequately guarded by security personnel.
That full security will be provided to the Fulani at the four locations where they were asked to move. That relief material in form of food items, warm clothing and shelter will be provided early tomorrow (today). That all the activities of the military operation in the areas will be completed in a maximum period of two days and that the people will return to their houses afterward.”
However, the Defence Headquarters, on Tuesday, reiterated that the operation to unearth suspected terrorists taking shelter in those villages could last for two weeks.
Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin said people would be allowed to return to their homes afterwards. At a news conference on Monday by its Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Dick Iruenabere, the Defence Headquarters said it would not use heavy artillery in the operations; thus ensuring minimal damage of property.
Culled from DAILYTIMES
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