By Muhammad Tanko
The Plateau State Government has called for the withdrawal of military personnel from peace and security operations in the state.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang also ordered the immediate release of youths arrested in connection with the killing of a soldier.
According to a statement issued by Prof. Chris Kwaja, Special Envoy on Peace and Security to Governor Mutfwang, the recent attack on Tahoos village, which resulted in the loss of 27 lives, was avoidable despite the presence of security agencies.
Kwaja attributed the failure to prevent the attack to the current security approach and suggested that the Federal Government should consider replacing military personnel with Mobile Police Squads.
“The Federal Government should prioritize withdrawing all military personnel deployed in flashpoints and replace them with Mobile Police Squads.
“This change in approach is necessary to ensure a more effective and responsive security strategy,” Kwaja said.
Kwaja’s demand came 48 hours after Governor Mutfwang’s condolence visits to surviving victims, where he confronted the military sector commander, demanding the arrest of culprits of the attack in Tahoos village, and the release of arrested youths.
“We cannot continue like this. These attackers are not spirits; real people carried out these atrocities and vanished without a trace.
“Sector Commander, you were in command when suspects were arrested over a soldier’s death. Why are there no arrests today?
“Those young men currently held must be released immediately unless you have solid evidence to charge them to court,” Mutfwang demanded.
