… Terrorists fleeing from Zamfara, Northeast, set up base in Mushere-BCDF
At least 11 people have been killed in a series of renewed attacks in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, prompting strong condemnation from the Bokkos Cultural Development Forum (BCDF) Vanguard, which described the incidents as a sign of a growing terrorist agenda in the area.
In a press release signed by Farmasum Fuddang, a lawyer, and nine others on behalf of the BCDF Vanguard, made available to journalists on Monday in Jos, the group detailed the recent killings, including five miners ambushed and killed on September 7 at a mining camp in Wang village, and six others shot dead on September 15 in Ikgngwaghap, Mushere Chiefdom.
The group noted that several persons remain missing as many homes were set ablaze in the attacks.
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The group expressed disappointment at the failure of security agencies to respond decisively, barely a week after Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, launched the rebranded “Operation Enduring Peace” in Plateau State, promising new troop deployments and modern equipment to secure troubled areas.
According to the BCDF Vanguard, the renewed violence and lack of adequate military response reflect a disturbing pattern. “When attacks occur in the northwest or northeast, the response is swift and massive, including air support. In Bokkos, we are left with a few poorly-equipped personnel,” the statement read.
The group alleged that terrorists fleeing from military operations in Zamfara and other parts of the northwest have set up base in Mushere, continuing their campaign of killings and displacements. They warned that failure to act urgently may result in a full-scale terrorist takeover of Plateau State.
They called for sustainable civil-military collaboration to secure communities in Bokkos, suggesting that residents are willing and capable of assisting in tactical operations if given the chance. The BCDF Vanguard also criticised what it described as media propaganda and official denial over the deteriorating security situation in the area.
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The group condoled with the families of the victims and made a renewed pledge to fight for justice and protection of the Bokkos people. They said that continued silence and inaction by authorities would amount to complicity in the destruction of their communities.
As of press time, the military authorities behind Operation Enduring Peace have yet to issue an official statement on the latest killings.
Efforts to reach Samson Zhakom, a major and spokesperson of Operation Enduring Peace, for comments were unsuccessful as he was not available and did not respond to messages.
