JUST IN: Nigerian Army Launches Fresh Operation To End Plateau Killings

In a bid to end the incessant attacks on farming communities in Plateau state, the Nigerian Army on Saturday launched a new military operation in the state, code-named Operation Hakorin Damisa IV.

Hakorin Damisa means Leopard’s teeth when translated.

The Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja who launched the new operation in Mangu Local Government Area of the state on Saturday said the aim was specifically to end the spate of attacks and killings in Mangu local government area and other parts of the state.

Middle Belt Times had earlier reported that in the last two months, more than 300 people had been killed in Mangu local government area and other neighboring communities following a series of attacks by terrorists suspected to be herdsmen.

After addressing troops deployed to carry out Operation Hakorin Damisa, the Chief of Army Staff moved to a Pilot Primary school in the community to have a meeting with the stakeholders.

Developing story…..

Nasarawa Gov Raises Alarm Over Influx Of Bandits From Plateau

Nasarawa State governor, Abdullahi Sule, has raised the alarm over the influx of bandits fleeing from crisis spots in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The governor also raised alarm over the proliferation of illegal production of small arms and ammunition in the state.

Sule raised the alarm during an expanded security meeting held at the Government House, Lafia the state capital, with a view to addressing some emerging security threats in the state.

It was attended by security chiefs, selected local government chairmen and traditional rulers.

Daily Trust reports that intelligence reports located the bandits around Mangar and Ambaka areas in Wamba Local Government Area, as well as in Lafia East Development Area.

Our correspondent reports that part of the agenda of the security meeting included reviewing the movement of Fulani herders in areas bordering the neighbouring Benue State.

“Recently, there have been movements of herders, especially Fulani herders. This may not pose a big security challenge because they are moving to grazing areas but unfortunately, those areas are also problematic because they are at the border between Keana and Guma Local Government Area in Benue State.

“It will be a recipe for problems down the line and around the Tunga area which is our major concern,” the governor pointed out.

Sule commended security agencies operating in the state for carrying out operations in Akwanga and Kokona local government areas, which led to the arrest of a notorious kidnapper identified as Lagudi and some members of his gang.

The governor also commended the 177 Guards Brigade, Keffi, as well as the police for their efforts in curtailing the activities of the notorious Yan Shara cult group in Keffi.

He, however, called for additional efforts by the security agencies to further prevent the Yan Shara from relocating to other areas.

He called for steps to secure palaces of traditional rulers in the state.

Speaking to newsmen after the meeting, the state Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Baba Maiyaki, said security operatives were ready to nip the activities of the Yan Shara cult group.

Source: Daily Trust

Plateau Killings: Foundation to full blown nationwide terrorism is being laid says Para-Mallam Peace Foundation

By Steven Kefas, Kaduna

A Peace Foundation known as the Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation based in Jos, Plateau state has added its voice to the conversation on the renewed killings and violence ongoing in Mangu local government area of Plateau state. The Foundation said the Federal government cannot afford to continue to remain silent amidst what it described as act of terror unleashed on innocent civilians in Plateau state.

In a statement signed by the President of the Foundation, Rev. Dr Gideon Para-Mallam and made available to Middle Belt Belt Times, the Peace Foundation known for its peace efforts across the Middle Belt said a “Foundation is being laid for a full blown nationwide terrorism in the country.”

Para-Mallam called on the Federal government to be more proactive and decisive in tackling the violence which has been ongoing for several years. The statement also claimed that 346 people have been killed in Mangu local government area of Plateau state between April and July 2023.

The statement reads in full:

“Sunday night – July 9th 2023, around 9:00pm, 8 people were killed in Farin Lamba in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. One woman, a 2-year-old baby and 6 young men on riding their motor bikes and conveying their passengers. The gun men came on a killing mission and not finding those they targeted, they started killing those on the highways. Monday morning July 10th 2023 in Vwang Village, Jos South, 2 women were shot dead @ Wereng Rim in the same Riyom LGA. Prior to this on Friday July 7th , 15 people were killed and the following day Saturday night July 8th , 13 people: 12 men and a little boy of under 6 years old were killed in Sabon gari village in Mangu LGA. Mangu LGA has become the latest killing fields of Nigeria.

Death is an equalizer. It will find anyone of us at some point in life’s journey. This is a fact of life. However, why must human agents serve as life’s terminators? The degrading of the value of human life without respect to our common humanity is beyond comprehension in Nigeria. This is what we are witnessing in Plateau State, particularly in Mangu Local Government Area. There have been sustained attacks which have continued unabated since April 17th , 2023 till date. Over 300 lives have been lost on the Plateau from April to date. Out of this number, over 200 lives have been lost to sustained violent attacks in Mangu LGA, as at Saturday, July 8th , 2023. The current harvest of deaths in Mangu LGA must be treated with the utmost urgency it deserves.

The Federal Government cannot afford to remain silent. Silence suggests looking the other way while the current inhumanity continuous. The Federal Government or President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not issued any official statement condemning the present killings since his being sworn into office on May 29th 2023 till date. Two months on yet we still do not have a formal Presidential comment on these killings? What signals is being communicated by such silence remains to be seen but the impunity demonstrated by the immediate past government of President Mohammadu Buhari should not be sustained by his successor. Why keep silent when hundreds of men, women and children are being killed almost daily in Plateau State?

The Mwaghvul Development Association (MDA), through its National Secretary Dr. Solomon Mangvwat, reports that a total of 54 villages have so far been attacked during this short period. 208 of their people have been killed, hundreds are missing as several bodies were burnt either in their homes while sleeping at night or in the bush as they fled were killed in the process of escape. Handicap persons unable to flee the attackers were mercilessly killed.

There are currently Eighteen Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty-One (18,751) Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who are now housed in Fourteen Camps. The 14 camps are hosted by the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Local Church Councils (LCCs). A Breakdown of the IDPs shows: 2,081 widows, 6,066 Orphans between the ages of 0-5 years old. Old people account for 1,057 old aged persons and teenagers and adult orphans accounting for 828. A total of 6,603 households are currently affected by these deadly attacks. Meanwhile, the Fulani community claim that the attacks in Mangu are part of a crusade to get rid of them from. This claim was made in a letter dated 19th May, 2023, addressed to the General Officer Commanding the 3rd Armoured Division, Rukuba Barracks, and the Commander Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Jos, signed by Muhammad Nura Abdullahi, the Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN). Similarly, in a report by Daily Trust Newspaper, 10th July, 2023, Muhammad Nura Abdullahi stated that there was an invasion of Fulani villages in Mangu LGA on Friday, 7th July, 2023 which led to the death of 15 Fulanis and 78 houses destroyed.

Take it or leave it, a foundation to full blown nation-wide terrorism is being laid. No country should localize and allow acts of terror on its citizens. Whatever the motivation behind these attacks on the Plateau, the fact remains – people are being killed in their hundreds. The burden of these killings should not rest only on the shoulders of the newly sown-in Governor of Plateau State, Barr Caleb Muftwang. The burden should not also rest only on the shoulders of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In fact, the burden rests on the shoulders of all Nigerians. The MDA have a role to play in the search for peace and so also Miyetti Allah in seeking an end to the killings and finding ways to save lives and property. There is wisdom in collective action devoid of finger pointing or political calculations. The lives of all the citizens of Mangu LGA residents matters.

“It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.” – Eleanor Roosevelt.

There is need for strategic action on the part of the Nigerian government and international community to ensure sustainable peace returns to Plateau State. As a Peace Building Foundation, we believe that peace is possible in Mangu LGA, Plateau State and Nigeria. The Federal Government and Plateau State; indeed all States in Nigeria need to work together with unity of purpose, across political party lines to find peace for all the troubled hotspots in the entire country. How long must we sit-out these religiously motivated and criminal killings in Nigeria while the rights of Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) are being trampled upon? Focusing on misleading narratives of the violence is itself not only misleading but unhelpful and glaring political correctness and hypocrisy. The narrative of reprisal attacks is not only simplistic but it hides the real issues and therefore the unjust killings have lingered on for too long not just in Mangu LGA but in other hotspots in the Middlebelt areas in particular.

It is important to take cognizance of the words of Martin Luther King Jr. who observes that: “Violence begets violence; hate begets hate; and toughness begets a greater toughness. It is all a descending spiral, and the end is destruction — for everybody. Along the way of life, someone must have enough sense and morality to cut off the chain of hate.”

What is happening in Plateau State has impact on Nigeria. What more, what is happening in Nigeria has global consequences in the medium and long-run. It is time to act and stop localizing Plateau’s killings fields. The time to put an end to violence in Plateau State and Nigeria is now!.”

Recall that Middle Belt Times earlier in the week reported the decision of the military to relocate its special task force codenamed, Operation Safe Haven to Mangu in its effort to address the incessant attacks on rural communities in the area.

Northern group writes Tinubu; seeks amnesty for Boko Haram, bandits with scholarships, generous pensions

The Northern Development Forum (NDF) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant amnesty to Boko Haram and bandits in the North to foster national inclusivity.

The group, which premised its demands on what it called the “prosperous life now being lived by ex-agitators in the Niger Delta”, said granting its request would help foster a lasting peace across the vast swathes of the northern region.

In a press statement by its spokesperson, Sheriff Abubakar, the NDF said the only way the North will have a respite from incessant attacks from Boko Haram and bandits is for the Tinubu government to grant amnesty to the rebels just like President Umar Musa Yar’Adua did in 2009 for Niger-Delta militants.

The group further stated that for 15 years and counting, the Niger-Delta militants have enjoyed unprecedented patronage from the Nigerian government, leaving those in the North in abject poverty and deprivation. It listed its demands for Boko Haram and bandits to include: Declaration of Amnesty; provision of scholarship; capacity building; and establishment of cooperative scheme. Several Niger-Delta agitators were offered scholarships, management skills and federally-backed pensions.

The statement reads in full:

“Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,

“We are writing you today as concerned citizens and advocate for justice and unity in our great nation. Recent events have brought to light the urgent need for amnesty to be granted to Northern agitators popularly known as Boko Haram and bandits, paralleling the historic amnesty granted to Niger-Delta militants during the tenure of our late brother, President Umar Yar’adua ( Allah Yarhamuh).

“We strongly urge you to consider this proposal and take decisive action to promote peace, inclusivity, and national cohesion.

“We are aware that on account of Amnesty to Niger Delta agitators, some of them have transitioned to politicians holding critical positions as Speaker of State House of Assembly, House of Representatives member, members of State Assemblies, among other sensitive political offices while others are now successful business people creating wealth and jobs. We want the same for Boko Haram and bandits.

“The Niger-Delta amnesty program, initiated in 2009, played a pivotal role in mitigating the conflicts in the region and fostering lasting peace. The program offered a pathway for former militants to reintegrate into society, providing them with rehabilitation, education, and employment opportunities.

“Today, we find ourselves facing a similar situation in the North, where agitations and conflicts have escalated to an alarming dimension. It is imperative that we do not ignore the plight of our fellow citizens who are voicing their concerns through agitations.

“We understand that quite a number of Boko Haram insurgents have been pardoned and rehabilitated through the de-radicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration (DRR) programme of the Nigerian Army, but more need to still be done.

“Granting amnesty to agitators in the North would not only address their grievances but also pave the way for a more united and prosperous Nigeria.

“By extending amnesty to Northern agitators, we would send a powerful message of inclusivity, justice, and fairness. It would provide a much-needed opportunity for dialogue and reconciliation, allowing all parties to come together to find sustainable solutions to the issues that have plagued our nation.

“Mr President, if Amnesty is granted to these local gangs, it would allow those involved to lay down their arms, embrace peaceful means of expression, and contribute positively to the development of our beloved country.

“Furthermore, this act of amnesty would highlight your administration’s commitment to upholding the principles of equity and equality before the law. It would demonstrate that every citizen, regardless of their geographical location or ethnic background, is entitled to the same rights, privileges, and opportunities. Such a move would foster trust, build bridges, and foster a sense of national unity that is indispensable for our progress as a nation.

“We implore you, Mr President, to act with wisdom, compassion, and foresight in granting amnesty to Northern agitators. Your decisive action in this matter has the potential to bring about a transformative change and create an environment where every Nigerian can thrive. We firmly believe that by drawing on the precedent set by the Niger-Delta amnesty, we can overcome division and strife, forging a path towards a more peaceful, prosperous, and united Nigeria.

“Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. We eagerly anticipate your positive response and the courageous steps you will take to ensure a brighter future for our nation.”

Source: Peoples Gazetter

Give us freehand to wipe out terrorists, Nigerian Army tells Northern state governors 

The Nigerian Army has appealed to the governors of the Northern region to give the troops freehand to eliminate terrorists.

The Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, made the appeal at Army Headquarters, Abuja while playing host to the Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal

While ruling out the possibility of granting amnesty to bandits terrorizing the North western region of the country, Mr Lagbaja warned the criminals to flee the country with immediate effect.

The army chief’s disclosure came on the heels of the recent calls made by the former governor of the state, Sani Yerima that bandits should be given amnesty.

According to him, the Military would not allow them to enter other parts of the country.

“Your Excellency, I think we need to look at this amnesty programme. The criminal elements have proven to be incorrigible. So, the issue of amnesty has created avenue for them to be regroup and re-organise and launch attacks,” Mr Lagbaja said.

Source: Daily Nigeria

House Of Representatives Asks Nigerian National Security Adviser, Ribadu To Declare Emergency In Plateau State Over Terrorists’ Attacks

The House of Representatives has asked the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to declare a national emergency situation in Plateau State over incessant terrorists’ attacks.

This was made following a motion of urgent public importance on the need for urgent intervention on the killings in some local government areas in Plateau State.

The House further requested that Operation Safe Haven identifies and evacuates all bandits’ cells in the state.

The House mandated the Committees on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, Defence, Army, Air Force, Police, and Legislative Compliance (when created) to oversee compliance and report monthly until the situation was brought under control.

They stated that the recent attacks on the communities had resulted in the deaths of over 300 individuals, significant injuries to others, the destruction of property, and the displacement of nearly 18,000 people.

The members also raised concern about the ongoing attacks by terrorist groups in the towns, claiming that if not addressed soon, it would result in low agricultural produce.

The house further requested that security personnel give aerial observation and assistance in capturing the terrorists and destroying their camps in order to prevent a recurrence and allow innocent farmers to return to their lands and ancestral homes.

Source: Saharareporters

Middle Belt Killings: Terrorists Kill 24 Villagers in Benue

…Governor Alia talks tough, described the attack as “unacceptable”

By Steven Kefas, Kaduna

Dozens of people were killed in a fresh attack on a remote village in Nigeria’s Benue state on Saturday. The gunmen suspect to be Fulani terrorists, opened fire on the villagers in Akpuuna village, killing 24 people and injuring several others.

The attack is the latest in a series of deadly attacks in Benue state, where violent herders have continued to invade farming communities in recent years. The state has seen more than 100 people killed in violence this year alone.

In the latest attack, the gunmen arrived in the village around midday and opened fire on the villagers, who were caught unawares. The attack lasted for more than two hours before the gunmen fled the scene.

Local officials said that the victims included women and children. The names of the victims have not been released.

The attack has sparked outrage in Benue state, with many people calling for the government to do more to protect the people.

The state governor, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has condemned the attack and directed security agents to hunt down the perpetrators.

“This attack is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Alia said in a statement.

“I have directed security agents to do everything possible to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

The attack is a reminder of the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria. The country is facing a number of security threats, including terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. The government has been struggling to contain these threats, and the latest attack is a setback in its efforts to do so.

The attack on Akpuuna village is also a reminder of the vulnerability of rural communities in Nigeria. These communities are often targeted by armed groups, and the government has been criticized for not doing enough to protect them.

The latest attack is a tragedy, and it is a reminder of the need for the current government to take action to address the security challenges facing the Middle Belt and the country at large.

Southern Kaduna People in Diaspora Condemn Zangon Kataf Killings, Accuses State Govt of Insensitivity

Southern Kaduna people living in diaspora under the auspices of Southern kaduna people in diaspora (SOKAPDA) Europe have condemned in strong terms the recent terrorists attacks on communities in southern Kaduna. The group said the attacks are unacceptable, saying that the Kaduna state government is insensitive to the plight of the victims.

The group in a statement signed by its President, Mr Casimir Biriyok states that attacks which took place in Ungwan Wakili and neighboring communities in Zangon Kataf local government area of Kaduna state on Saturday night shows that the state and federal government have not done anything to forestall attacks in the area.

Recall that some communities in Ungwan Wakili and environs were attacked by terrorists suspected to be Fulani militias on Saturday March 11th, 2023 leaving no fewer than 17 people killed.

The statement reads in parts!

“The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.”
-Martin Luther King, Jr.

Southern Kaduna people in diaspora (SOKAPDA) Europe, condemn the recent killings last Saturday, 11th March, 2023 that resulted in the loss of 17 lives and injuries to innocent citizens in Ungwan Wakili and other villages in Zangon Kataf Local Government of Kaduna State.
This is barely 3 months after the mass murder of 38 harmless villagers in Malagum, Kamuru–Ikulu and Abun (Broni Prono) in the same Southern Kaduna on or about 18th December, 2022.
SOKAPDA Europe, finds it difficult to comprehend how human lives seem to have little or no value in Nigeria in general, and Kaduna state in particular. We condemn this wanton killing in its entirety.
These attacks are happening in the middle of elections; given this scenario, one can only assume that this is calculated to destabilise Southern Kaduna during this election period.
There seems to be no empathy from the political leadership of the State, for we have not heard of any statement made by either the state or most of the political actors, by either visiting or indicating support through press releases or otherwise, the curfew notwithstanding.

A couple of days ago, in Lagos, a train accident killed 6 people and this attracted sympathy and the attention of the whole state. Flags were flown half mast and the governor was all over the place. However, 17 people were killed in Kaduna State and as at the time of writing, we have not heard from the state not to talk of a visit by the state leadership. Most of the political parties have shown little support to either the victims or issue a simple statement of condemnation of the killings.

It is essential to hold those who have sworn to protect us to do the needful for we in diaspora are frustrated that in the 21st century, technology like phone tracking, geo orbits satellite, drones and old-fashion spying, etc., have not been fully utilized.
We have been told time and time without number that the best is being done. Those at the receiving end seem not to see all these efforts, for the killings seem to be going on unabated for years.
It is also on record that nobody as far as we know, has taken any responsibility for possible negligence or dereliction of duty or responsibilities, and resigns to demonstrate they hold human lives sacred.
The peaceful Kaduna State that we once knew is no more and we sincerely hope that somewhere within the political class, someone will take security of lives seriously for it is absolutely too tragic that our state has become a killing field.

SOKAPDA will like to take this opportunity to express our sympathy to the families of the souls that were lost during the killings. May their souls rest in peace.

Our hearts remain with all the families that they left behind. It is the only Almighty God that can console them in these challenging periods. Similarly, we sympathise with every individual who has in one way or other been affected negatively by these random killings that seem to have no end in sight. We take exception to others who are keeping quiet in the middle of all these killings. One day some will be called to answer either here or beyond.
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
-Edmund Burke.

6 LGAs in Benue Under Fulani Terrorists Siege — ALGON Chairman

The Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria in Benue State, Mike Uba on Thursday raised said that six local government areas of the state are under siege by Fulani herders.

Uba stated this during a press conference held in Makurdi and added that the attacks were being carried out simultaneously in the past two weeks.

According to Uba, the affected six local government areas include; Kwande, Agatu, Gwer West, Guma, Makurdi and Logo.

The ALGON boss who is the chairman of Guma LGA said that the attacks started shortly after the presidential and national assembly election, adding that several communities have been deserted and occupied by herders.

He said, “This is the first time in the history of Fulani herders, terrorists attacks in the state that six local governments are under attacks simultaneously.

“These are Guma, Makurdi, Gwer-West, Kwande, Agatu and some forays in Logo. In the past, attacks would be in two or three; Guma, Gwer West and Agatu.

“The new dimension speaks volumes of Command Room Coordination and Strategy. This is a strategic attempt that is also politically timed to coincide with the electoral season,” he added.

Uba, however, appealed to  President Muhammad Buhari to protect the lives and property of the people of the state.

(Nigerian Tribune, header modified) 

Fulani Terrorists Resume Attacks, Kill Over 50 In Benue Communities As Nigerian Police Dispute Casualty Figures

Less than a week to the governorship and House of Assembly elections on Saturday, March 11, Fulani herdsmen have invaded six communities in the Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, North Central Nigeria and killed no less than 50 persons.
Although the police in Benue State said the casualty figure was not up to 50, it could not provide counter details.
The affected communities in the four-day attack are Adam, Iyarinwa, Abamde Ityuluv, Waya Boagundu, Agura Ayaga and Azege areas in Turan Council Ward, Kwande LGA.
The former chairman of the Council Tertsua Yarkbewan, who confirmed the casualty figures while addressing journalists, on Monday, said the death toll could be more.

Lamenting the constant invasion and killing of his people by herdsmen, Yarkbewan said, “My people are being massacred like goats. What we have been hearing is that there are Fulani attacks, especially in Turan in the Kwande axis. Even places where there were no attacks before are witnessing attacks.

“Now, every day you hear that five or four people were killed, you cannot have the exact number of those that have been killed because some corpses are still in the bush and yet to be recovered. But looking at the number of people being killed in the past few days, I think the casualty figures should be over 50.”

Reacting to the incident, the Police Command spokesperson, Catherine Anene, confirmed the attack but said the normalcy have returned to the affected communities.
Anene, however, insisted that casualty figure wasn’t correct.
“They have not given me the report but it is not up to 50; the initial report they gave me there was a change of leadership of the division. The new DPO just reported last Friday and when I asked him to give me a situation report he said the area is calm now,” she said.

Saharareporters