The Special Task Force codenamed Operation Safe Haven with Headquarters in Jos, Plateau State has described as false and untrue the report that its operatives killed a Woman in a protest at Gon Gora in Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State.

The outfit gave an account of what transpired in a statement signed by the Media Officer of the Outfit, Maj. Ibrahim Shittu and warned mischief makers to desist from fomenting troubles and violence in the Southern Kaduna and across its Joint Operational Areas, soliciting for public support in discharging its mandate.

The full statement reads;

RE: TROOPS OF OPERATION SAFE HAVEN DID NOT KILL A WOMAN IN A PROTEST AT GON GORA

The attention of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) has been drawn to a video-cilp by Masky Media Television and Sahara Reporters online publication dated 24 March 2021, alleging that troops of OPSH were responsible for the killing of a woman in a protest recently staged by the women in Gon Gora of Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State.

To set the record straight, on 5 March 2021 following a reported case of farmland destructions belonging to one Mr Ibrahim Amako by group of herders numbering 5, the Secretary to the District Head Gon Gora, Mr Ayuba Bungon intervened in the case where he facilitated the payment of the sum (N300,000:00) compensation to appease the victim.

At about 0655pm on 6 March 2021 while on routine patrol, troops of OPSH were informed that the Secretary and 5 herders were kidnapped by unknown persons suspected to be youths of Gora Village at Ungwan Masat along Gora – Zonkwa road in Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State while returning from dispute resolution.

Troops in conjunction with other security agencies swiftly mobilized to the scene and successfully rescued the Secretary unhurt, while 2 out of the 5 victims were later escaped from their abductors. Efforts are ongoing to rescue other missing persons.

Own troops while exploiting the general area recovered one locally fabricated Assault Rifle, 4 Rounds of 7.62mm Special and a bag containing rings and charms.

In the same vein, on 22 March 2021, a group of women from Gon Gora Village in Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State staged a peaceful protest at troops location in Gora village. The protesters expressed their displeasure over the constant killings of their people by suspected militias where people have deserted the village over fear of a possible reprisal attack following the kidnap incident on 21 March 2021.

The protesters were addressed by the Commander Sector 6 Colonel David Nwakonobi to sheath their swords and embrace peace. The protesters were later dispersed peacefully.

Relatedly, on 23 March 2021, at about 0545pm, troops of OPSH deployed at Gon Gora received a distress call of a violent protests by women and youths of Gon Gora, Bafai Gora and Sagwaza villages in Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State. The violent protest was believed to be sponsored by some aggrieved elites of Zagon Kataf.

Troops swiftly mobilized to the scene in order to restore normalcy to the area. Troops on arrival at the scene of the incident were however encountered by some youths in the midst of the female protesters firing and pelting dangerous object at the troops. In the ensuing pandemonium, one of the female protesters in close contact with troops was hit by a stray bullet from the youths, while an elderly man sustained a gunshot injury on his right hand.

Furthermore, the youths therefore barricaded the entry and exit routes likely to be reinforcement for the troops. The protesters thereafter demanded for the withdrawal of troops from the Gon Gora Community as the basis for their protest.

Consequently, troops of OPSH have apprehended 8 suspects involved in the violent protest and recovered one locally fabricated assault rifle and 3 cartridges from the suspects. The arrested suspects are currently in OPSH custody undergoing preliminary investigation. Also, the injured person is receiving treatment at Saint Louis Hospital Zonkwa, while corpse of the deceased has been deposited at the General Hospital morgue Zonkwa.

Normalcy has since returned in the general area while troops are maintaining vigilance to forestall any further breakdown of law and order.

OPSH wishes to state that its operations is conducted with strict adherence to rules of engagement, code of conduct and respect for the fundamental human rights. Therefore, use this opportunity to warn mischief makers to desist from fomenting troubles and violence in the Southern Kaduna and across its Joint Operational Areas, thereby soliciting for public support in discharging its mandate.

IBRAHIM SHITTU
Major
Media Officer OPSH
24 March 2021

count | 24

Operation Safe Haven Refutes False Report of Killing a Woman in a Protest at Gon Gora, Kaduna State