A coalition of ethnic groups in Bokkos, Plateau State, has leveled accusations against the military for exacerbating the fallout of a recent attack by suspected Fulani herders. The incident, which occurred last Friday, saw gunmen unleash simultaneous assaults on two communities, Kopnanle in Mangu, and Mandang Mushu in Bokkos Local Government Areas, resulting in the loss of at least 10 lives.
In a petition addressed to army authorities, the coalition of Bokkos ethnic youth nationalities alleged that soldiers engaged in shooting civilians during the attack, amplifying their vulnerability. They further demanded the removal of the commander of the Step-Up Headquarters 2 in Bokkos, holding him responsible for the failure to contain the crisis.
Contrary to these claims, the Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) has refuted the allegations, dismissing them as baseless. In a statement issued by Media Officer Maj. Samson Zhakom, OPSH denounced the accusations, asserting that they aimed to tarnish the efforts of security agencies to eradicate militia groups in the region.
According to Zhakom, upon receiving distress calls during the attacks, personnel promptly responded from multiple fronts, compelling the assailants to retreat. He emphasized the swift response of forces, which curtailed the assaults targeting Kopnanle and Mandang Mushu. Zhakom clarified that during the confrontation, one person was killed and several others sustained injuries, refuting claims of military involvement in civilian casualties.
Regarding the alleged killing of a vigilante, Zhakom clarified that the deceased was found among those slain by rival militia groups and was in possession of sophisticated weaponry. He dismissed assertions of military involvement in the incident as an attempt to absolve the deceased vigilante of culpability.
Additionally, Zhakom condemned calls for the removal of Colonel C.Y. Ofurumazi, the commander of the Step-Up Headquarters in Bokkos, labeling them as malicious. He attributed these calls to the increased operational effectiveness under Colonel Ofurumazi’s leadership, which has hindered the activities of criminal elements in the area.
The statement concluded by asserting Colonel Ofurumazi’s impartial stance during the attack and his refusal to yield to demands that could compromise his neutrality. It characterized the petitioners’ actions as desperate attempts to manipulate the situation for their benefit.
