A yet-to-be-identified number of people have allegedly been killed after soldiers invaded Kadarko, Kurmi and Wadata villages of Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State following the alleged killing of four soldiers by persons.
Our correspondent gathered that the soldiers, who arrived the villages in over 40 trucks, were on a revenge mission over the alleged killing of their colleagues at Angwan Nanmi in Karin Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Executive Director of Stefanos Foundation, Mr. Mark Lipdo, quoting sources from the village, alleged, during an interview with our correspondent on Saturday, that the military men opened fire on innocent people and burnt houses.
Lipdo said, “Information says soldiers in over 40 trucks arrived Kadarko, Kurmi and Wadata of Wase LGA in Plateau State today (Saturday) following report of alleged killing of four soldiers at Angwan Nanmi, Karin Lamido LGA of Taraba State.
“According to residents, the soldiers arrived and opened fire on innocent people, burning houses. It is not clear why soldiers would open fire on the people they are supposed to defend.
“Sources said it is in retaliation for the killings of their colleagues. Others denied this, more so when two of the four soldiers allegedly killed were even Tarohs from this area. Villagers would rather believe it is a deliberate plan by the outgoing governor to intimidate the people of the area, following the overwhelming votes from the area that changed the results of the last election.”
Spokesman for the Special Task Force, Capt. Ikedichi Iweha, while reacting to the allegation last night, said there was no truth in the claim that its members attacked anybody.
He said the operation was meant to check gunmen, who had been terrorising residents and security personnel in the area.
According to him, following frequent attacks on communities around the Plateau-Taraba border by some militiamen, the STF and soldiers from the 3 Armoured Division of the Nigerian Army, had been carrying out operations targeted at flushing out the militiamen.
He argued that soldiers, who were working to protect innocent civilians, could not turn around to kill the same civilians.
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