Army kicks as group accuses troops of ‘shooting residents’ during Plateau attacks

The Nigerian Army has denied allegations that its troops shot at civilians during recent attacks in Bokkos and Mangu LGAs of Plateau state.

On Friday, at least 10 residents were killed when gunmen invaded Mandar Shar and Kopnanle villages in the two LGAs.

The attackers also injured several persons and destroyed many properties.

Reacting to the attacks, Bokkos Cultural Development Council (BCDC) alleged that some of the casualties were inflicted by soldiers.

The council alleged that soldiers killed four vigilantes when they intervened during the attacks.

Another group, Coalition of Bokkos Ethnic Youth Nationalities, alleged that the soldiers who intervened during the attacks shot at residents of Bokkos.

‘COMPLETELY UNFOUNDED’

In a statement on Monday, Samson Zakhom, the media officer of operation Safe Haven (OPSH), said the allegation by the Coalition of Bokkos Ethnic Youth Nationalities is “completely unfounded and intended to tarnish” the military’s image.

Zakhom said troops of OPSH were not involved in any confrontation with vigilantes during military operations in the communities.

The media officer said “quick response of forces led to the prompt quelling of the attacks”.

“Suffice to state that nothing can be further from the truth than the allegation of personnel being involved in the killing of vigilantes at Kopnanle village in Bokkos LGA,” the statement reads.

“It is expedient to note that security agencies deployed in Bokkos were not involved in any confrontation with vigilantes as mischievously claimed in the petition.

“Security agencies were rather preoccupied with restoring normalcy during the confrontations between militia groups of different ethnic groups on 13 April 2024.

“Kudos should be given to these troops who remained deployed without break for over 72 hours, ensuring that the high grounds and other vulnerable communities were dominated in a bid to protect law-abiding citizens.

“The deceased militia was found to be one of those killed by other militias who invaded the area during the confrontation between rival militia groups in the area.

“Also, the use of sophisticated weapons by the acclaimed vigilante was further buttressed by the discovery of eleven (11) rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition in the possession of the dead militia contrary to claims that he was a vigilante who was using dane gun to protect his community.

“Moreover, the acclaimed vigilante was already dead before the troops arrived in the area.

“Therefore, the allegation of killing of the vigilante is a calculated effort to feign weakness and exonerate the dead vigilante from his participation in the attacks and counter reprisals.”

Zakhom dismissed the call for the sack of CY Ofurumazi, the commander of step-up headquarters in Bokkos, saying it is malicious.