Military commander reads riot act to criminals in Plateau

Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, military taskforce Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) on Saturday in Jos warned criminals in Plateau to turn a new leaf or be prepared to face the consequences of their actions.

Abubakar, also the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, gave the warning at a meeting with stakeholders from Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau.

OPSH has the responsibility to maintain peace in Plateau and parts of Bauchi and Kaduna States.

The commander, who decried the resurgence of isolated killings, cattle rustling, wanton destruction of farmlands and other properties in the state, said no criminal would be spared.

“In the last three months, we have achieved a lot of successes in the area of peace and security in Plateau.

“We have arrested many criminal elements including drug peddlers, weapons manufacturers and also prevented many attacks on communities.

“Unfortunately, some people have started taking the laws into their hands by engaging in kidnapping, cattle rustling, destruction of farmlands, and night and underage grazing, among other crimes.

“I warn all criminal elements in Plateau that the OPSH which I command will not spare any criminal; we will pursue all criminals wherever they are and bring them to justice.

“Any day one person is killed I have failed, so, i will not tolerate any criminal activity that will destroy our image and that of the state,’’ he told the meeting.

The commander called on Plateau people, particularly residents of Bokkos to shun all forms of violence, reprisal attacks and other crimes.

Abubakar also called on traditional and religious leaders to be more committed to supporting the state government and security agencies to achieve a peaceful Plateau

He tasked residents on trust, compassion and forgiveness, insisting that peace is priceless and all residents must collaborate to achieve it.

The commander said officers and men of OPSH would not take sides, but would continue to be fair and just to all.

Responding, a representative of a group of stakeholders, Malam Salleh Yusuf, commended the commander for organising the meeting and assured that it would go a long way to promote peaceful coexistence.

Another stakeholders’ representative, Mr Philip Johnson, tasked residents on sincerity and honesty, and urged them to stop hiding criminals.