Plateau community petitions Lalong over alleged military invasion

Communities at Vwang district, in Jos South Local Council Area of Plateau State, have petitioned Governor Simon Lalong, alleging military invasion and killings.

The communities claimed that the army invaded the Vwang-Kogwot, Dangyuruk, Gwohwong and Kogom villages, broke into their houses, harassed, intimidated and brutalised innocent and defenceless women, children and the elderly.

They claimed that operatives of the Special Task Force (STF), known as Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), killed some people and left behind some battered women and children during the invasion.

President of Vwang Development Association (VDA), Da Gabriel Tongwong, and Chairman Berom Women Development Association (BEWDA) Vwang District, Ngo Esther D. Vwangdung signed the petition.

They demanded government intervention to stop the invasions, which have been happening without any iota of consultation with the religious, community and traditional rulers.

Da Tongwong said: “For the avoidance of doubt, seven Hilux vehicles, with different colours, full of troops suspected to be STF operatives from sector 9 in Riyom, has invaded some hamlets in Vwang district on November 7, 2018.

He said one of the victims; Samson Markus is currently receiving treatment at the Vom Christian Hospital, from gun shot injuries.
“We do not live in a lawless society, and we shall not accept such acts of impunity and the breach of fundamental human rights under the watch of government.

The communities urged the governor to set up a high-powered committee, including the community members, to investigate the excesses of the security personnel involved.

They also called for the prosecution of those involved in the invasion.

In his reaction, spokesman of the OPSH, Major Adam Umar, said the army has not officially received the letter of complaint. “Our mandate in Plateau is to secure the state and its environment.

“Because of our performance, Bauchi State sought that we should extend our operation to cover restive part of the state and we did that, including Kaduna. We are now covering four local governments in Kaduna State.

Umar said they have never been found wanting, adding: “It is surprising that some communities have petitioned against us.”