Aftermath Of Troops Deployment: Soldiers Kill 30 Insurgents In Nasarawa
— April 4, 2014
Soldiers deployed to Nasarawa Sate recently to help contain
the recurring communal clashes along the Nasarawa/Benue border yesterday
killed over 30 suspected insurgents during a morning raid on Mararaba
Giza community of Keana local government area.
The bodies of about 10 of the suspected insurgents killed in the operation were brought to the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, DASH, Lafia, the state capital, by a police pickup van and deposited at the mortuary while over 20 were deposited at the General Hospital, Keana. Many bodies were yet to be recovered from the bush.
But the Defence headquarters has said that it will investigate the involvement of the Nigerian soldiers in the matter. Speaking through it spokesman, Major-General Chris Olukolade, the military said, “No such report has been received from anywhere. It will be investigated to confirm if those you said carried out the attack are soldiers indeed.
LEADERSHIP Friday gathered that the military launched the offensive on the suspected insurgents while acting on a tipoff about their hideouts in Mararaba Giza and Tse-Azer where they were said to have taken shelter for some time.
A source at the Keana General Hospital informed that the mortuary could no longer contain the number of dead bodies, hence the conveyance of the remaining ones to Lafia.
It was further gathered that sophisticated weapons were recovered from the insurgents who were taken unawares.
The secretary of the Nasarawa State chapter of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Mallam Mohammed Husseini, said over 30 of his kinsmen were killed in the operation which started by 9am.
The head of the Fulani community, Ardo Sodangi Audu, told LEADERSHIP Friday that he could not give a detailed account of what transpired as at press time but hinted that the casualty figure is expected to rise in the coming days.
Residents of Keana local government area said that the soldiers were seen taking over the town with about four armoured tankers in order to ensure that the insurgents had no escape routes.
One of them who pleaded anonymity revealed that “the military killed the insurgents and were able to recover rifles and other explosive devices from them”.
The source, who pleaded anonymity, said that there had been allegations of terrorists taking shelter in some parts of the southern senatorial zone under the guise of international hunters and wondered whether there are any forests left for games that warrant the presence of international hunters.
“This part of the state has received and seen strange Fulani faces more than any time in the history of our existence in Keana and environs and we wonder where they are coming from, because they are not the normal Fulani that we know,” the source said, adding that “most of these Fulani that we see don’t even have cows and one continues to wonder what is their preoccupation and mission in the state”.
Many in Giza and other parts of Keana LGA have continued to applaud the step taken by President Goodluck Jonathan by deploying the military in the state to find a lasting solution to the persistent cases of incursion by suspected insurgents. They appealed for more soldiers to be deployed to the area for the maintenance of peace.
When contacted, the police public relations officer, Umar Ismaila, confirmed the incident but declined any further comment. “It is a military operation and they are in a better position to issue any statement, but we are trying to appeal for peace so that the situation is brought under control,” he stated.
We Must End Communal Clash In Benue – Jonathan
President Good luck Jonathan has reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensure normalcy returns to areas that have suffered consistent attacks from suspected Fulani herdsmen in Benue State.
He also condoled with the government and people of Benue State over the senseless killing and maiming of the people of the state by the insurgents
Speaking at the wedding ceremony between Mr David Ortom, son of the minister of state for trade and investment, Chief Dr Samuel Ortom (Tiv), and former Miss Christy Ikwue of Idoma extraction of the state, the president expressed delight at the level of unity between the Tiv and Idoma people of Benue State.
The president, who was represented by interior minister Comrade Abba Moro, lauded the families of the groom and bridegroom for doing away with tribal sentiments.
He described Chief Ortom as a great asset to the transformation agenda of the present administration, and implored Nigerians to embrace inter-tribal marriage so as to foster greater national cohesion, peace and unity .
Jonathan urged Nigerians to emulate the people of Benue State by encouraging inter-tribal marriage, even as he advised the couple to imbibe godly virtues of patience , love and unity as the bedrock of the new union.
Also speaking on the occasion, the vice-president, Arc. Namadi Sambo, represented by Engr. John Tion, and Senate president David Mark, represented by Representative Hassan Saleh, noted the significance of the intertribal marriage which will go a long way to bring peace and unity in the country.
Earlier, Benue State governor Dr Gabriel T. Suswan, represented by his wife Arc. Dooshima Ochanya Suswan, said that despite the great security challenges in the state and the displacement of many Benue people, the marriage between David Ortom and Christy Ikwue was significant.
Suswan described the coming together of David Ortom and Christy Ikwue as a sign of unity that the state and the country deserve.
In his speech, the father of the bride, Dr Samuel rtom, the minister overseeing the aviation ministry, expressed gratitude to the president, the vice president, the Senate president and the great multitude that turned out to support the marriage.
He especially thanked the governor, Dr Gabriel Suswan, his wife, deputy governor Steve Lawani and his wife; the speaker, Benue State House of Assembly and the Benue people who turned out despite this security challenges that have “displaced our people”.
In his vote of thanks, the father of the groom, Chief Ben Ikwue, thanked all and urged everybody to pray for the quick return of peace to Benue and Nigeria, adding that, on their part, everything will be done to nurture the marriage to maturity.
Terrorism: No Secret Trials For Boko Haram Suspects
Meanwhile, the federal government has lost the move to have a Lecturer of Kogi State University, Dr Mohammed Yunus, and two others tried secretly.
The suspects are currently standing trial for allegedly sponsoring the deadly activities of the dreaded Boko Haram sect.
Justice Gabriel Kolawole of a federal high court sitting in Abuja, in his ruling on the application made by the federal government to have the suspects tried secretly, held that the court is mindful of the accused persons’ right to fair hearing and the need to protect the identities of witnesses from the general public as it is done in advanced democracies where cases of terrorism are tried.
He said, “To balance the conflicting interests of fair trial as prescribed by the constitution and not to unjustly expose ordinary citizens who have decided to give evidence on behalf of the state to danger, if the court fails to give minimum comfort to witnesses, it will get to a stage where the state will no longer find witnesses.”
Justice Kolawole further held: “In advanced democracies of the world, cases of terrorism have led to a legal regime of protection of witnesses.
“I shall not shut down the entire court room, but shall make adequate provisions to shield the identities of the witnesses including personal securities for those of their families need to be concealed from the general public .The court will guarantee fair hearing to the accused persons and protection to the witnesses.”
The three accused persons – Dr Mohammed Yunus, Musa Umar and Salami Abdullahi – were arraigned on an eight-count charge bordering on terrorism.
They were arrested in October 2013 for allegedly holding various meetings aimed at planning to carry out insurgency across the country and have been remanded in prison custody.
The case has been adjourned to May 6, 7 and 14 for hearing.
Kaduna LG relaxes curfew in Kafanchan
Jema’a local government council of Kaduna State on Thursday said it had relaxed the 24-hour curfew imposed in Kafanchan by 10 hours.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a 24-hour curfew was imposed in Kafanchan township on Wednesday, following the youths’ reaction to the arrest of 24 men allegedly in possession of arms.
Mr Daniel Amos, chairman of the council, said in Kafanchan that residents were now free to go about their businesses from 6am to 4pm.
“The development is due to relative calm witnessed within the metropolis.
“We believe the situation would improve as there has not been reports of disturbances from any quarters,” he said.
Amos commended residents for complying with the directive restricting movement, assuring that the measure was taken to ensure the safety of lives and property.
He urged the public to desist from tendencies capable of breaching public peace and report any suspected person or group to security operatives.
NAN reports that calm had returned to Kafanchan township as residents moved freely and businesses were opened.
Attacks plan to destabilise Nigeria – Buhari
Former military head of state and leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) General Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, noted that the spate of attacks rocking a part of the north was a grand ploy to destabilise Nigeria.
Speaking to newsmen in Katsina when he paid a condolence visit to victims of recent attacks in Faskari and Sabuwa council areas of the state, Gen Buhari urged residents to help in unmasking those behind the attacks.
“They are trying to destabilise Nigeria beginning with the north because they started with Borno, Kano and now they got to Katsina and Kaduna; so what is remaining?”
The APC leader insisted that the attacks were pure terrorism and went beyond religion and ethnicity since nobody is spared in the killings… Residents must unite and help in unmasking those behind these attacks”
He insisted that the only way out was for people to report suspicious persons and movements to security agents so that suspicious persons could be investigated and charged to court if found wanting.
General Buhari however commiserated with victims of the Katsina attacks which led to the reported deaths of over 100 people and prayed for lasting peace in the whole country.
He donated 200 bags of maize just as his associates from Kaduna who escorted him for the condolence visit donated N1 million each for victims of the attacks in Sabuwa and Faskari council areas.
Over 100 people were reported killed and houses burnt when some armed men attacked villages in Faskari and Sabuwa council areas of the state early last month.
Benue: Reps ask FG to compensate farmers who lost produce to Fulani/Farmers’ crisis
Federal lawmakers have called on the federal government to compensate farmers who lost their farmlands and crops during attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Benue State while asking security agencies to evacuate herdsmen from ancestral lands and houses of indigenes of the state .
The lawmakers took this decision yesterday after adopting the resolutions of a motion moved by Hon. Christiana Alaaga (PDP, Benue) on the need to stop nomadic herdsmen from attack, occupation of ancestral farmlands and alleged use of chemical weapons on defenceless farmers in Agena, Mbatsada and Sangev communities in East/Gwer West local government areas of Benue State.
The House also condemned the killings and maiming by the herdsmen and called on security agencies including the Nigerian army, police and DSS to arrest the perpetrators of the violence, especially those who allegedly used chemical weapons to attack farmers, and bring them to book.
Urging the National Emergency Management and Response Agency (NEMA) to urgently provide relief materials to the surviving victims of the attacks who were internally displaced in Agena, Mbatseda, Sengev and Mbakyoondu communities, they further called on security agencies to take urgent steps to ensure the safety of travellers and motorists on Makurdi/Naka federal interstate highway as well as evacuate herdsmen who have settled on ancestral farmlands and taken possession of houses in Gwer local government area.
Leading debate on the motion, Hon. Alaaga expressed worry that killings of people in their homes have taken a new dimension in the form of chemical weapons deployed by herdsmen and expressed worry that, if it is not checked, the deadly practice may shift to other parts of the country.
“Nomadic herdsmen numbering over 200 laid siege to Agena, Mbatsada communities of Gwer East local government in the early hours of the day, shot and killed people as they came out of their houses… Worried that the crises have taken a dangerous dimension of the alleged use of chemical weapons by the herdsmen on Tiv farmers… and if this practice is not stopped, it might spread to other parts of the country,” she said.
The lawmaker further expressed worry that “with the growing number of internally displaced persons, there is impending humanitarian crises like the outbreak of epidemics, famine and crime which may lead to more casualties”.
Troops clear 3 Benue LGAs of armed gangs, recover arms
The Nigerian Army mobilised to Benue has liberated three local government areas from the claws of armed gangs.
Formation commanders of the Nigerian Army have moved to the various states in their area of responsibility to conduct the operations aimed at addressing deteriorating security situation in parts of the north-central.
A statement issued by the Defence Headquarters yesterday and signed by its spokesman, Major General Chris Olukolade, paints the picture of the success recorded by the troops: “Troops deployed in Benue State have already cleared camps of all armed gangs in three local governments of the state.
“Normalcy has been restored in Guma, Gwer West and Agatu local government areas. Some arrests and recoveries have been made in the process,’’ the statement read.
“Tagged ‘Operation Restore Peace’, the mission has also resulted in the destruction of militant camps, arrests as well as recovery of arms in Shendam area of Plateau State.
“2 AK 47 rifles were recovered after an encounter with troops of Special Task Force and the armed gangs in their enclaves in Shimanker in Plateau State. In Kaduna State, militants’ camps in Ladduga near Kachia were destroyed while arms were equally recovered in Maigungume Hills in Niger State.”
The military disclosed further that general officers commanding (GOCs) are directly supervising the operations in “their area of responsibility in Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Niger states as troops comb forests in the mission to apprehend members of armed gangs and destroy their enclaves”.
The bodies of about 10 of the suspected insurgents killed in the operation were brought to the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, DASH, Lafia, the state capital, by a police pickup van and deposited at the mortuary while over 20 were deposited at the General Hospital, Keana. Many bodies were yet to be recovered from the bush.
But the Defence headquarters has said that it will investigate the involvement of the Nigerian soldiers in the matter. Speaking through it spokesman, Major-General Chris Olukolade, the military said, “No such report has been received from anywhere. It will be investigated to confirm if those you said carried out the attack are soldiers indeed.
LEADERSHIP Friday gathered that the military launched the offensive on the suspected insurgents while acting on a tipoff about their hideouts in Mararaba Giza and Tse-Azer where they were said to have taken shelter for some time.
A source at the Keana General Hospital informed that the mortuary could no longer contain the number of dead bodies, hence the conveyance of the remaining ones to Lafia.
It was further gathered that sophisticated weapons were recovered from the insurgents who were taken unawares.
The secretary of the Nasarawa State chapter of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Mallam Mohammed Husseini, said over 30 of his kinsmen were killed in the operation which started by 9am.
The head of the Fulani community, Ardo Sodangi Audu, told LEADERSHIP Friday that he could not give a detailed account of what transpired as at press time but hinted that the casualty figure is expected to rise in the coming days.
Residents of Keana local government area said that the soldiers were seen taking over the town with about four armoured tankers in order to ensure that the insurgents had no escape routes.
One of them who pleaded anonymity revealed that “the military killed the insurgents and were able to recover rifles and other explosive devices from them”.
The source, who pleaded anonymity, said that there had been allegations of terrorists taking shelter in some parts of the southern senatorial zone under the guise of international hunters and wondered whether there are any forests left for games that warrant the presence of international hunters.
“This part of the state has received and seen strange Fulani faces more than any time in the history of our existence in Keana and environs and we wonder where they are coming from, because they are not the normal Fulani that we know,” the source said, adding that “most of these Fulani that we see don’t even have cows and one continues to wonder what is their preoccupation and mission in the state”.
Many in Giza and other parts of Keana LGA have continued to applaud the step taken by President Goodluck Jonathan by deploying the military in the state to find a lasting solution to the persistent cases of incursion by suspected insurgents. They appealed for more soldiers to be deployed to the area for the maintenance of peace.
When contacted, the police public relations officer, Umar Ismaila, confirmed the incident but declined any further comment. “It is a military operation and they are in a better position to issue any statement, but we are trying to appeal for peace so that the situation is brought under control,” he stated.
We Must End Communal Clash In Benue – Jonathan
President Good luck Jonathan has reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensure normalcy returns to areas that have suffered consistent attacks from suspected Fulani herdsmen in Benue State.
He also condoled with the government and people of Benue State over the senseless killing and maiming of the people of the state by the insurgents
Speaking at the wedding ceremony between Mr David Ortom, son of the minister of state for trade and investment, Chief Dr Samuel Ortom (Tiv), and former Miss Christy Ikwue of Idoma extraction of the state, the president expressed delight at the level of unity between the Tiv and Idoma people of Benue State.
The president, who was represented by interior minister Comrade Abba Moro, lauded the families of the groom and bridegroom for doing away with tribal sentiments.
He described Chief Ortom as a great asset to the transformation agenda of the present administration, and implored Nigerians to embrace inter-tribal marriage so as to foster greater national cohesion, peace and unity .
Jonathan urged Nigerians to emulate the people of Benue State by encouraging inter-tribal marriage, even as he advised the couple to imbibe godly virtues of patience , love and unity as the bedrock of the new union.
Also speaking on the occasion, the vice-president, Arc. Namadi Sambo, represented by Engr. John Tion, and Senate president David Mark, represented by Representative Hassan Saleh, noted the significance of the intertribal marriage which will go a long way to bring peace and unity in the country.
Earlier, Benue State governor Dr Gabriel T. Suswan, represented by his wife Arc. Dooshima Ochanya Suswan, said that despite the great security challenges in the state and the displacement of many Benue people, the marriage between David Ortom and Christy Ikwue was significant.
Suswan described the coming together of David Ortom and Christy Ikwue as a sign of unity that the state and the country deserve.
In his speech, the father of the bride, Dr Samuel rtom, the minister overseeing the aviation ministry, expressed gratitude to the president, the vice president, the Senate president and the great multitude that turned out to support the marriage.
He especially thanked the governor, Dr Gabriel Suswan, his wife, deputy governor Steve Lawani and his wife; the speaker, Benue State House of Assembly and the Benue people who turned out despite this security challenges that have “displaced our people”.
In his vote of thanks, the father of the groom, Chief Ben Ikwue, thanked all and urged everybody to pray for the quick return of peace to Benue and Nigeria, adding that, on their part, everything will be done to nurture the marriage to maturity.
Terrorism: No Secret Trials For Boko Haram Suspects
Meanwhile, the federal government has lost the move to have a Lecturer of Kogi State University, Dr Mohammed Yunus, and two others tried secretly.
The suspects are currently standing trial for allegedly sponsoring the deadly activities of the dreaded Boko Haram sect.
Justice Gabriel Kolawole of a federal high court sitting in Abuja, in his ruling on the application made by the federal government to have the suspects tried secretly, held that the court is mindful of the accused persons’ right to fair hearing and the need to protect the identities of witnesses from the general public as it is done in advanced democracies where cases of terrorism are tried.
He said, “To balance the conflicting interests of fair trial as prescribed by the constitution and not to unjustly expose ordinary citizens who have decided to give evidence on behalf of the state to danger, if the court fails to give minimum comfort to witnesses, it will get to a stage where the state will no longer find witnesses.”
Justice Kolawole further held: “In advanced democracies of the world, cases of terrorism have led to a legal regime of protection of witnesses.
“I shall not shut down the entire court room, but shall make adequate provisions to shield the identities of the witnesses including personal securities for those of their families need to be concealed from the general public .The court will guarantee fair hearing to the accused persons and protection to the witnesses.”
The three accused persons – Dr Mohammed Yunus, Musa Umar and Salami Abdullahi – were arraigned on an eight-count charge bordering on terrorism.
They were arrested in October 2013 for allegedly holding various meetings aimed at planning to carry out insurgency across the country and have been remanded in prison custody.
The case has been adjourned to May 6, 7 and 14 for hearing.
Kaduna LG relaxes curfew in Kafanchan
Jema’a local government council of Kaduna State on Thursday said it had relaxed the 24-hour curfew imposed in Kafanchan by 10 hours.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a 24-hour curfew was imposed in Kafanchan township on Wednesday, following the youths’ reaction to the arrest of 24 men allegedly in possession of arms.
Mr Daniel Amos, chairman of the council, said in Kafanchan that residents were now free to go about their businesses from 6am to 4pm.
“The development is due to relative calm witnessed within the metropolis.
“We believe the situation would improve as there has not been reports of disturbances from any quarters,” he said.
Amos commended residents for complying with the directive restricting movement, assuring that the measure was taken to ensure the safety of lives and property.
He urged the public to desist from tendencies capable of breaching public peace and report any suspected person or group to security operatives.
NAN reports that calm had returned to Kafanchan township as residents moved freely and businesses were opened.
Attacks plan to destabilise Nigeria – Buhari
Former military head of state and leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) General Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, noted that the spate of attacks rocking a part of the north was a grand ploy to destabilise Nigeria.
Speaking to newsmen in Katsina when he paid a condolence visit to victims of recent attacks in Faskari and Sabuwa council areas of the state, Gen Buhari urged residents to help in unmasking those behind the attacks.
“They are trying to destabilise Nigeria beginning with the north because they started with Borno, Kano and now they got to Katsina and Kaduna; so what is remaining?”
The APC leader insisted that the attacks were pure terrorism and went beyond religion and ethnicity since nobody is spared in the killings… Residents must unite and help in unmasking those behind these attacks”
He insisted that the only way out was for people to report suspicious persons and movements to security agents so that suspicious persons could be investigated and charged to court if found wanting.
General Buhari however commiserated with victims of the Katsina attacks which led to the reported deaths of over 100 people and prayed for lasting peace in the whole country.
He donated 200 bags of maize just as his associates from Kaduna who escorted him for the condolence visit donated N1 million each for victims of the attacks in Sabuwa and Faskari council areas.
Over 100 people were reported killed and houses burnt when some armed men attacked villages in Faskari and Sabuwa council areas of the state early last month.
Benue: Reps ask FG to compensate farmers who lost produce to Fulani/Farmers’ crisis
Federal lawmakers have called on the federal government to compensate farmers who lost their farmlands and crops during attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Benue State while asking security agencies to evacuate herdsmen from ancestral lands and houses of indigenes of the state .
The lawmakers took this decision yesterday after adopting the resolutions of a motion moved by Hon. Christiana Alaaga (PDP, Benue) on the need to stop nomadic herdsmen from attack, occupation of ancestral farmlands and alleged use of chemical weapons on defenceless farmers in Agena, Mbatsada and Sangev communities in East/Gwer West local government areas of Benue State.
The House also condemned the killings and maiming by the herdsmen and called on security agencies including the Nigerian army, police and DSS to arrest the perpetrators of the violence, especially those who allegedly used chemical weapons to attack farmers, and bring them to book.
Urging the National Emergency Management and Response Agency (NEMA) to urgently provide relief materials to the surviving victims of the attacks who were internally displaced in Agena, Mbatseda, Sengev and Mbakyoondu communities, they further called on security agencies to take urgent steps to ensure the safety of travellers and motorists on Makurdi/Naka federal interstate highway as well as evacuate herdsmen who have settled on ancestral farmlands and taken possession of houses in Gwer local government area.
Leading debate on the motion, Hon. Alaaga expressed worry that killings of people in their homes have taken a new dimension in the form of chemical weapons deployed by herdsmen and expressed worry that, if it is not checked, the deadly practice may shift to other parts of the country.
“Nomadic herdsmen numbering over 200 laid siege to Agena, Mbatsada communities of Gwer East local government in the early hours of the day, shot and killed people as they came out of their houses… Worried that the crises have taken a dangerous dimension of the alleged use of chemical weapons by the herdsmen on Tiv farmers… and if this practice is not stopped, it might spread to other parts of the country,” she said.
The lawmaker further expressed worry that “with the growing number of internally displaced persons, there is impending humanitarian crises like the outbreak of epidemics, famine and crime which may lead to more casualties”.
Troops clear 3 Benue LGAs of armed gangs, recover arms
The Nigerian Army mobilised to Benue has liberated three local government areas from the claws of armed gangs.
Formation commanders of the Nigerian Army have moved to the various states in their area of responsibility to conduct the operations aimed at addressing deteriorating security situation in parts of the north-central.
A statement issued by the Defence Headquarters yesterday and signed by its spokesman, Major General Chris Olukolade, paints the picture of the success recorded by the troops: “Troops deployed in Benue State have already cleared camps of all armed gangs in three local governments of the state.
“Normalcy has been restored in Guma, Gwer West and Agatu local government areas. Some arrests and recoveries have been made in the process,’’ the statement read.
“Tagged ‘Operation Restore Peace’, the mission has also resulted in the destruction of militant camps, arrests as well as recovery of arms in Shendam area of Plateau State.
“2 AK 47 rifles were recovered after an encounter with troops of Special Task Force and the armed gangs in their enclaves in Shimanker in Plateau State. In Kaduna State, militants’ camps in Ladduga near Kachia were destroyed while arms were equally recovered in Maigungume Hills in Niger State.”
The military disclosed further that general officers commanding (GOCs) are directly supervising the operations in “their area of responsibility in Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Niger states as troops comb forests in the mission to apprehend members of armed gangs and destroy their enclaves”.
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