Army to begin mop up arms in Southern Kaduna, as NASS Member laud initiative
Military operation to disarm weapons in the hands of people in the Southern part of Kaduna is to begin in earnest, says the Special Task Force Commander, Major General Rogers Nicholas,
The Plateau task-force Commander who is also now in charge of four local governments in the trouble parts of Southern Kaduna, said the operation is aimed at permanently forestalling the wanton blood shed hitherto experienced in the area.
Speaking yesterday in a town hall meeting held in Kafanchan, the Army boss advised residents in possession of guns to surrender them or face the full wrath of the law.
”The Army has taken over full control of internal security in Kaura, Zangon Kataf, Jema’a and Sanga LGA’s in Southern Kaduna, in accordance with the directive from the Chief of Army Staff and we advise those in possession of weapons to surrender them to us or else they will face the full weight of the law.”
Gen. Nicholas also at the end of the forum gave measures that should be adhered to for peaceful coexistence among farmers and herdsmen which he narrated as saying all grazing routes should be open and dead line for cattle rearers to graze is fixed as 6:30pm.
He said no cattle rearer should graze in anybody’s farm and any cattle rustled in any community, the community will be made to pay for it as well as any farm land destroyed by herdsmen will by met with a fine.
However, the Member representing Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon. Shehu N. Garba, laud the STF initiative to embark on arms disarmament exercise, adding that the effort will curtail the tension experienced in the area.
He said that arms in the hands of unauthorized people is a risk to the community and an act that is illegal, adding that every measure should be taken to recover illegal arms in the hands of people.
“There is no doubt that what has taken place today was well conceived as all members of the waring communities were brought under one roof to discuss steps that should be taken to ensure that permanent peace is restored to the area”, he said.
In his part, the convener of the town hall meeting and a Peace advocate, Rev Gideon Para-Mallam, said the aim is to seek alternative measures to complement the military in bringing about permanent peace to the area.
Para-Mallam who was among those responsible for the restoration of peace in Jos emphasized the need for dialogue as the most civilized approach to conflict resolution.
By Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos
