Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has directed officers and men of the Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) to fish out killers of Ardo Adamu Gabdo in Panyam Community of Mangu Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau and other herdsman in Plateau in 48 hours.
Yet-to-be identified criminals had allegedly killed Ardo Adamu Gabdo last Saturday,and his body is yet to be recovered.
Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, who disclosed this when he visited the District Head of Panyam, Da Aminu Darwam.
Abubakar, who is also the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division, Rukuba, near Jos, said that he had given his officers and men marching orders in compliance with the directive.
He described the act as criminal, stressing that the operatives would do everything possible to track down the perpetrators.
He called on traditional ruler and all stakeholders in the area to unravel the identity of the those behind the heinous act.
He said,”we won’t relent in our efforts to see that we comply with the COAS’ instructions and ensure that we stem down the spate of insecurity in the state.
”You are aware that recently we had security breach around Mangu general area, but we did a lot to restore relative peace we are currently enjoying in this locality.
”However, few days ago, we got a report that an Ardo was killed in Panyam. My men and I have not been sleeping because of this.
”The COAS has given us 48 hours to arrest the perpetrators and this a task we must accomplish.
”This is an act of criminality and we will ensure that we bring the criminals to justice or we bring justice to them.
”I have no other job to do than to ensure that lives and property, irrespective of tribe and religion, are protected at all times.
”This duty I will not relent on doing to the best of my ability,” he promised.”
He promised to be just and fair to all, adding that he sworn an oath to carry out his duties with the fear of God and for the good of humanity.
The district head thanked the commander for the visit and promised to collaborate with security agencies to apprehend the criminals.
While describing the incident as shocking, Derwam said,that both Fulani and the locals had coexisted peacefully for years.
”I was taken aback when I heard of the incident; it is a sad and unfortunate development because we have lived with the Fulani for long and I want to assure you that our ears are on the ground to support you with credible information,” he added.