Soldiers, on Saturday, May 2, descended on Kadarki, Kurmi and Wadata villages of Wase local government area of Plateau state, killing at least 30 people, in retaliation of four soldiers allegedly killed by some unknown persons.
The four soldiers were allegedly killed at Angwan Nanmi in Karin Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The aggrieved soldiers, who reportedly arrived the villages in 40 trucks, also set the house of the traditional rulers of Kadarko, Ponhzi Kadarko, Chief Lot Nde ablaze.
Quoting sources from the village, the Executive Director of Stefanos Foundation, Mark Lipdo, said the soldiers shot at innocent persons upon arriving at the village.
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.’’
He added, “Sources speculate that it is in retaliation for the killings of their colleagues. Others denied this, moreso that two of the four soldiers killed were even Tarohs from the area. Villagers would rather believe it is a deliberate plan by the outgoing governor to intimidate their area, following the overwhelming votes from the area that changed the results of last election.”
Responding to the allegation, spokesman for the Special Task Force, Capt. Ikedichi Iweha, denied the allegation that his men invaded and killed innocents in the Plateau village.
He explained that the operation was meant to clampdown on gunmen who have been terrorising residents and security personnel in the area, noting they frequently attack communities around Plateau-Taraba border.
He added that the Special Task Force and soldiers from the 3 Armoured Division of the Nigerian Army have been carrying out operations primarily to flush out the gunmen.
