Military orders evacuation on Plateau villages

Jos -The Special Task Force (STF) maintaining peace in Plateau has said that the evacuation order given to some communities in Barkin Ladi and Riyom local governments is based on `military necessity’.

The STF on Saturday ordered the inhabitants of five villages – Mahanga, Kakuruk, Kuzen, Maseh and Shong 2 to vacate their settlements in 48 hours, to give way for a “military operation’’.

The residents have given different interpretations to the order, with some alleging, that some specific groups were being targeted.

But STF Commander, Maj.-Gen. Henry Ayoola, told newsmen in Jos on Sunday that the order to vacate the areas was “in line with international humanitarian laws and consistent with best global practices’’.

“It should not be construed otherwise. The villages are not inhabited by one tribe; no one should see our action as targeted against any particular group.
“We are an unbiased umpire in charge of maintaining peace and ensuring security of lives and property. We are not interested in the politics of the state and nobody should see us a favouring any group.’’

Ayoola said the STF was already aware that all the villages were deserted following the recent attacks in the area.
“This notice is for the few people that are within the theatre of operation. The operation is expected to be swift and once the area is declared safe, the residents would return to their homes.’’

He expressed regret for the inconveniences caused by the decision, adding that the state government had put in place some relief arrangements.
Ayoola, however, advised the residents of Kura-falls, Kuzuk and Sharuk, Rim of Gashish and Bachit not to panic as they were not affected by the order.
“But they must be careful and conscious of any movement in their localities,’’ he said.

The Commander called on Plateau residents to report any suspicious movement and activities in their areas to STF and other security agencies for prompt action.
Meanwhile, Ayoola has explained that last night’s attack on some persons at Gyero in Jos South Local Government was an armed robbery case.
“One person was killed in that robbery incident and our men moved swiftly to the area immediately they were alerted,’’ he said. (NAN)