Members of the “Operation Safe Haven” tasked with maintaining the peace in Plateau and Bauchi states have been implicated in the alleged murder of one Abubakar Musa, a 23-year-old herder in Jos, Plateau state. The incident reportedly happened when operatives of the joint task force invaded the area Musa was in and started shooting sporadically in the air while attempting to effect an arrest.
Parents of the deceased express sadness at the alleged unprofessional conduct and are seeking justice for their son. “They should have killed me instead of my son because he is still young and has let children behind. The soul that committed this crime has indeed cheated on me, his wife and children I have,” the mother of the victim, Asiya Muhammed said.
On his part, the father of the victim called for an immediate investigation and for everyone complicit be brought to book “I was at home when a report came in that soldier came to the community, arrested three persons and shot Abubakar. This is no proper because Abubakar, being an innocent person doesn’t deserve this. We don’t know our offence. Those who have committed this dastardly act have committed a big mistake. If someone has committed a crime, the person should be investigated before any action is taken.”
Speaking at the funeral, Brig General MO Agi, the chief of staff of Operation Safe Haven said, “The GOC has sent his condolences to the immediate family of the deceased and entire Fulani community. The GOC has ordered an immediate investigation into the matter, and I assure you that things like this will never happen again. I assure you that whoever is involved, will be finished. I want to appeal to all of you on behalf of the GOC to be calm. We know it is painful. But you have be patient and see what is going to happen.”
