Sequel to the resurgence of violence in some communities of Plateau State, a group under the aegis of Plateau Indigenous Christian Ministers’ Forum (PIMFO), has called for the withdrawal of military in the state and be replaced by an International Peace Team.
The group equally called for the prosecution of those arrested in connection with the attacks.
PIMFO through its Chairman, Rev. Tongsmangs T. Dasbak said, “Justice for all is a human right issue and it must be seen to be done without fear or favour.
Dasbak said, “To this end there is a need, an urgent one for that matter, to recall all the military personnel back to their barracks, or they should be replaced by an International Peace Team that will be credible and unbiased.
According to the Chairman, “All those caught and paraded or implicated /indicted so far should be brought to book.
“Whatever evidence(s) Lt. General Tukur Buratai has against the elders of Plateau, whoever they are should have been better handled in the court of Law rather than making conclusive statements.
According to him, there are claims in some quarters that some elders were aiding criminality in some communities of Plateau.
He further explained that PIMFO being, a religious leaders’ forum, “abhors and condemns every form of violence and the taking of innocent lives extra-judicially.
“Therefore, when efforts are being made to investigate such atrocities, it is commendable, if carried out with the best of intentions and employing acceptable procedures.
“The investigation into the reported disappearance of General Alkali (Rtd) by the army must involve the Police, the judiciary, the Latya/Dura community and possibly international bodies to ensure that the truth comes to light.
“There are acceptable international best practices in matters of this nature which should be followed.
“We have noticed the ongoing investigation in Dura/Latya with grave concern; the unacceptable molestation of innocent citizens some of who were just passersby, how they are being meted with all kinds of inhuman torture by the operatives of the Army”, he lamented.
“The army indiscriminately arrested and brutally manhandled people, forcefully sacking them from the community and their abodes”, he further decried.
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