We Are Going To End Agatu Killings – Buratai
SAN FRANCISCO, March 20, (THEWILL) – The Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has vowed that the Army would end the killings in Agatu communities of Benue State as it was adjusting the deployment of its troops to the state.
Buratai made this known when he visited a military tactical operational base, near Otukpo in Benue, adding that all logistics and other requirements for the operation have been provided as he expressed confidence that the mayhem would be contained.
“The crisis here is unfortunate, the farmers and herdsmen fighting must not be condoned. I have heard from the commander about the existence of criminal elements who engage in cattle rustling,” he said.
“We have observed the deployment of troops on ground, we are adjusting our troops deployment to take care of the flash-points and likely areas where the criminals are hiding.”
He revealed that the troops were cooperating with other security agencies to restore peace and order in the area with measures in place to prevent a repeat of the clashes.
Deadly clashes between herdsmen and farmers in the community has reportedly claimed over 60 lives with many houses and farm store destroyed with escapees taking refuge in neighbouring towns of Apa and Otukpo.
The crises has led to a number of complaints from citizens of Agatu and environs including former Senate President, David Mark, who escaped an attack as he visited the locale.
Also, the members of the House of Representatives from Benue State had condemning the Federal Government over the attacks on the Agatu communities saying it was being lackadaisical.
“If the Federal Government does not stop its lukewarm attitude towards finding solution to the killings, we may be forced to mobilise our people to defend ourselves,” Emmanuel Orker-Jev, on behalf of the lawmakers said.
The lawmakers includes: Benjamin Wayo, Udende Memga, John Dyegh, Terseer Gbilla, Awwulu Ezekiel, Adamu Entonu, Christian Abah, Samson Okwu, Hembe Herman and Dickson Dominic.
Story by David Oputah