Operation SAFE HAVEN of the Nigerian Army has refuted a media report by Opera News online, alleging that suspected armed herdsmen attacked Hukke, a village in Miango District of Rigwe Chiefdom of Bassa Local Government Area for five hours without any form of intervention from the security forces.
The report published with gory pictures of medium of houses purportedly razed during the attack, alleged that three people lost their lives and no arrest was made.
In a statement, Military Information Officer of Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major Ishaku Takwa said the report is unsubstantiated, laced with falsehood and churned out to ignite another cycle of violence on unsuspecting law abiding citizens.
He confirmed that the attack on Hukke community lasted for only 20 minutes and not five hours as reported. Takwa said the troops swiftly response to distress call from the community forced the criminals to withdraw preventing more casualties.
He added that a post operational assessment conducted by troops also revealed that no single house was burnt.
Takwa said it was established that the unfortunate loss of three lives happened at the outskirt of the community prior to the arrival of the security agents.
He urged the author of the report to always crosscheck and confirm his report before rushing to the media.
Takwa said opinion merchants who fan embers of violence must be guided on the kind of narrative they churn out to the public.
He said pictorial analysis of the pictures posted by the author depicts a sinister manipulation, adding that the writers submission remains an elusive figment intended to cause mischief and disaffection on the Plateau, hence it should be disregarded in its entirety.
Takwa urges members of the general public to be wary of such mischief makers who are frustrated with the gradual return of peace to the state which is its past glory.
He said the operation is on course and would not be distracted by the antics of vicious mischief makers whose stock in trade is to peddle unfounded rumors and cause disunity.
While appreciating the good people of Hukke community for the timely information that thwarted the attack, the Commander OPSH, Major General Ibrahim Ali, called on all stakeholders to continue to be ambassadors of peace until the state returned to the path of peace and tourism, a symbol the Plateau State represents.
He enjoined the good people of Plateau to continue to provide timely information to security agencies on the activities of criminal elements.
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