By Israel Joel
Jos – The Special Task Force, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) mandated to restore peace in Plateau , Southern Kaduna and Bauchi has said it would be professional and fair in the discharge of its responsible .

Commander of the task force Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali, made this known when he visited Brra Nggwe Rigwe, Rev. Ronku Aka, the paramount ruler of Irigwe kingdom in Miango Bassa LGA .

Ali who also reacted to media reports alleging its refusal to respond in stopping the recent killings and wanton destruction of properties in Miango chiefdom of Bassa Local Government Area of the state said that the allegation as not just false, but futile, malicious and attempt to discredit the efforts of troops of the operation in achieving lasting peace in the state.

Ali who is also the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army Rukuba, near Jos,
reiterated its commitment toward securing the lives and property of all residents within its areas of joint operations devoid of ethnic or religious affiliations

In his words “There is reports making the rounds where it was alleged that our troops told residents that they had instruction not to repel invaders during attacks in some communities in Bassa. ”

“This allegation is not only false and baseless but malicious and futile and an attempt to once again malign the good works troops of OPSH have been doing to restore normalcy to troubled areas in line with its operational mandate.

“I did not and will never give such instruction; it didn’t come from me, because every soldier has the constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property of all Plateau citizens

“It is pertinent to note that OPSH is committed to safeguarding lives and property in line with global best practices of adhering to rules of engagement, standard operating procedure and respect for fundamental human rights of the citizenry.

“So, it is practically impossible to issue out orders to troops that they should not respond to any distress situation aimed at saving the lives and property of law abiding citizens considering that they are drawn from all the security agencies, cutting across ethnic, religious divides and under oath to maintain peace and security in the country,”he said.

The Commander further explained that every officer of the task force is deployed to a location with a clear code instruction of ensuring a peaceful society, which is the sole mandate of OPSH.

He however, assured that it would thoroughly investigate the allegation, adding that any soldier found wanting would be dealt with.

The commander added that the visit is to commiserate with the paramount ruler of the Iregwe in Miango chiefdom, over the recent unfortunate incident.

“This visit is very necessary if we want to make headway in our peace building process in Plateau.

“We are not happy over the recent happenings but I want to assure you that we will ensure it doesn’t happen again,”he assured.

He called on all citizens of the area and the state in general to be law abiding and cooperate with the military and other security agencies by providing credible information that would aid them towards ensuring lasting peace in the state.

Responding, the traditional ruler, Aka decried the consistent killings and wanton destruction of farmlands and other properties in his chiefdom, called on the military to help displaced people to return to their homes.

He thanked the commander for the visit and urged him to intensify efforts to restore lasting peace in the area.

“We are peaceful and loving people but we have suffered in the past years.

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“I need your assistance; please deploy additional personnel to the affected communities to enable my people return to their homes.

“I will continue to pray for you to succeed in your assignment,”he said.

Our correspondent further reports that the commander also donated some foodstuff and other items to residents affected by the recent unrest in the community .

Some of the items include bags of rice, noodles, cartons of seasoning, , sleeping mats, blankets, salt bathing and washing soaps .