Plateau killing: STF loses 3 soldiers, vows to stamp out hostilities

The Special Task Force (STF), in Plateau has lost three personnel in the conflict between herders and natives of Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Confirming the incident to newsmen on Friday in Jos, the Special Task Force Commander, Major General Augustine Chris Agundu said the incident that took the lives of three STF personnel is regrettable and vowed to bring the culprits to book.

“I have lost three men; they were killed in action as a result of this circle of violence that has resurfaced. The worst of it is that the proliferation of arms in Plateau is enormous.

“I have locked down Barkin-ladi, this act will never repeat itself. We have made efforts to reconcile the warring factions but they have remained adamant. My troops have resolved to end the ongoing hostilities in Ryiom, Barkin-Ladi and Bassa LGA’s.

“The message I am sending to all level of leadership is to get their youths to decorum and civility so that the ordinary man and woman in the community could live peacefully. We are determined to return Plateau to its slogan of Home of Peace and Tourism”, the Army boss said.

Our correspondent reports that circle of violence has renewed its vigour in some communities in the State, as gunmen believed to be herdsmen allegedly killed about 20 people in series of attacks in the State’s north within the past one week.

The Daily Times had reported the killing of two people in Kachudu village in the State’s Bassa Local Government Area, penultimate Sunday following what appeared to be reprisal attack by herdsmen who had reported the killing of their cow by suspected locals.

On the same day, 11 people were killed by people believed to be herdsmen in Lopandet community in Dwei, Du, Jos South LGA.