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From: Gyang Bere, Jos
A group, the Global Peace and Life Rescue Initiative (GOPRI), has reconciled protesting youths in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State and the Special Task (STF) in charge of internal security of the state.
The reconciliation became necessary over protests that greeted the death of two members who were reportedly hired by the STF to evacuate a 32-year-old abandoned well.
Executive Director of GOPRI, Amb. Melvin Ejeh, who led the protesting youths and Civil Society Organisations to the STF headquarters, in Jos, said the youths had accused the STF of poisoning the well where the deceased persons died, but it was later discovered that it was mud that was left inside the well for a long time that killed the boys.
Ejeh, therefore, called on communities in the state to collaborate with the STF and avail them with useful information to enable them tackle issues of insecurity in various villages in the state.
“Two days after the attack that claimed 29 lives in Plateau, two young boys were hired by the STF to evacuate an abandoned well that was dug in 1985 to enable them get sufficient drinking water in the locality, but unfortunately, the boys got drown in the well and died.
“Youths in the community started protesting against the STF which led to the destruction of vehicles an attempt to snatch refiles belonging to the STF personnel and two of the rioters were injured. The Youths alleged earlier that it was the soldiers that killed the youths.”
He also urged the STF to redouble effort in building confidence in the locals, particularly in Nkiedowhro village, Bassa Local Government Area where 29 persons were killed in cold blood in a primary school where the soldiers were resident.
Commander of the Special Task Force also known as Operation Safe Haven, Maj.-Gen. Anthony Atolagbe, appealed to residents to be calm, urging them to furnish the military with useful information to avert abated killings.
“Operation Safe Haven operates on the mandate to protect lives and property within its area of responsibility, and without avoidance of doubt our events conform with this design operation, all our operations has not negate any aspect of its design to achieve for the protection of property of everyone.
“We express our condolences to the families of those who were affected by the incident and to assure everyone that we will strategies better, we are prepare to curtail any incursion into any community within our area of responsibilities.”
