Army: We’ve deployed more manpower, equipment to address killings in Plateau

The Nigerian army says it is taking necessary measures to address the incessant attacks and killings in Mangu LGA and other communities in Plateau state.

Abdulsalam Abubakar, general officer commanding 3 division, spoke on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to Caleb Mutfwang, governor of Plateau, at the government house in Jos, the state capital.

In recent weeks, gunmen attacked and killed many residents in the communities of Bwoi, Sabon Gari and several others in Mangu LGA.

Abubakar said manpower and equipment have been deployed to the area, in addition to the division’s headquarters already stationed in the LGA.

He said a stakeholders’ meeting was held with residents and leaders of the affected communities, adding that his contact and that of his officers were shared with the villagers for prompt response.

“I want to reassure you of the Nigerian army’s commitment to ensure that normalcy is restored to the region,” NAN quoted Abubakar as saying.

“The chief of army staff (CoAS) will be here on Saturday, to assess the situation and the headquarters that we have established in Mangu.

“We intend to continue to conduct operations not only within Mangu, but all the other areas of influence, including Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and Riyom, which will also be touched by our officials to ensure that we sanitise the entire area.”

On his part, Muftwang said the army’s deployment is an opportunity for the present administration to set up a legacy of having ended the security crisis in the state.

“We want to thank you that within the short span of your stay, we have seen very positive moves by the military to be able to arrest this situation in Plateau,” the governor said.

“While it is true that we must deploy non-kinetic options in dealing with this crisis, the necessity of the coordinated kinetic action, cannot be overemphasised.

“We, therefore, will want to plead with you to rally your troops and mobilise them to do the needful in the defence of our fatherland against the criminal elements that have infiltrated our state to destabilise it.”