Fresh crisis in Plateau, 20 houses razed, 8 arrested • Govt imposes curfew



NO fewer than 20 houses were burnt, following a fresh outbreak of crisis between residents of Irigwe community and herdsmen in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Men of the Operation Safe Haven in charge of security in the state, have arrested eight people in connection with the incident.

For weeks now, Bassa LGA has been experiencing crises between Irigwe natives and herdsmen.

Sunday Tribune learnt that villages attacked in the latest onslaught included Ancha, Zanwra, Nzhwierivho, Kpachudu, and Nnkie Donkwhro near Jebu Miango District.

A source in one of the affected villages claimed that many houses were burnt by people suspected to be herdsmen, adding that despite the curfew imposed in all the affected areas, the attackers still raided two villages and burnt houses on Friday night.

Media Officer of Operation Safe Haven, Captain Adam Umar, who confirmed the attack said eight suspects had been arrested.

He added that they would be handed over to the police after a thorough investigation.

According to him, in line with the mandate of the Command, men of the Operation Safe Haven were now in the areas to restore normalcy and carrying out cordon-and-search to recover illegal arms and ammunition.

He debunked the rumour that men of OPSH were moving from house to house to recover knives and sticks.

Piqued by the recurring attacks in Irigwe chiefdom and neighbouring areas around Bassa – Vom – Jos South adjoining borders and Manchok, in Kaduna State, as well as adjoining areas with the Irigwe ancestral land, Governor Simon Lalong has directed a Special Military Search and Security Enforcement Operation within the areas.

The governor, in a statement by the Director of press and public affairs, Mr Emmanuel Nanle, also approved the imposition of a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Bassa from 6pm to 6am, with immediate effect until further notice.

He further directed all community leaders, village heads, ward heads, district heads and paramount rulers of all areas bordering Irigwe chiefdom, to ensure strict compliance with the curfew order and other security measures put in place to guarantee peace and security in the area.