"Plateau Crisis: Operation Safe Haven Denies Civilian Shooting Allegations"

The Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), a military task force responsible for maintaining peace in Plateau State and its environs, has refuted allegations that its soldiers were involved in shooting innocent civilians during recent attacks in the Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State. The Media Officer of OPSH, Major Samson Zhakom, issued a statement in Jos, denying the accusations made by the Coalition of Bokkos Ethnic Youth Nationalities. This coalition had accused soldiers of shooting civilians and exacerbating the vulnerability of residents in the locality. They further called for the removal of the Commander of OPSH Step-Up Headquarters 2 in Bokkos, alleging failure on the part of security agencies to quell the recent spate of killings in some communities of the council.

Zhakom categorically dismissed these allegations as unfounded and malicious, stating that they were intended to tarnish the image of the military and other security agencies operating in the state. He emphasized the professionalism of security personnel deployed in Bokkos during the confrontations between different ethnic groups on April 13, 2024. Additionally, he refuted claims of any confrontation between security agencies and vigilantes, asserting that troops were solely focused on restoring normalcy and ensuring the protection of law-abiding citizens.

Furthermore, Zhakom debunked allegations of excessive use of force by security personnel, citing the discovery of sophisticated weapons in possession of a deceased militia member. He condemned the call for the removal of the military commander in Bokkos as malicious and designed to undermine the morale of troops. Zhakom underscored the importance of avoiding attempts to manipulate public opinion against security agencies, reaffirming their unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order in the area.

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