Take Decisive Actions Or Face Court-Martial, Army Tells Commanders In Taraba, Others

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Chief of Defence Staff

By Sadiq Umar – The Nigerian Army has warned its operation Commanders in Taraba, Adamawa and Benue states to take decisive actions to stem the wave of killings or face punitive measures.

The warning is coming on the heels of latest killings in Mambilla Plateau area of Taraba in clashes involving herdsmen and farmers.

Last week, about 20 persons were reportedly killed, following a fresh outbreak of ethnic violence on the Mambilla Plateau in Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State, yesterday.

Similar killing also took place in Benue state amid security presence in the affected states.

Earlier in January, many people were reportedly killed in attacks carried by suspected militia in three Fulani villages in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State.

But in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Texas Chukwu, a Brigadier General on Sunday, the Army warned of decisive actions, also urging the perpetrators of the conflicts to desist forthwith.

“We have warned our commanders on the ground to take decisive actions or face court-martial,” it said.

According to the statement, “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to the continued disturbing, senseless killings and wanton destruction of properties in Adamawa, Benue and Taraba States.

“The Nigerian Army in conjunction with sister services and other security agencies are working assiduously to identify and arrest all those involved regardless of their disposition in the society including government functionaries.

“We would like to unequivocally reiterate that the Army Headquarters warns the arsonists and the killers to stop or face decisive action by troops.

“Our Rules of Engagement (ROE) is clear on arson and murder, therefore, no such criminal acts would be allowed in any of the aforementioned states.

“The public are please reminded that when troops are called out for internal security operations, they are not to joke or persuade anyone,” Mr Chukwu added.

 

 

 

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