The Commander of OPSH, Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar disclosed this during the Christmas luncheon organised for troops of OPSH and the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army on Thursday, December 26, 2024, in Jos.
It will be recalled that the gunmen suspected to be herdsmen attacked the community on December 22, k!lling 15 people, including a one-year-old baby and a pregnant woman.
It was gathered that the people of the community who were longing for a blissful Christmas and New Year celebration were taken aback when the gunmen in their large number swooped on them at about 10:45 pm when most of the residents had retired to bed.
According to an eyewitness who simply identified himself as Anthony, the assailants rode into the community on motorcycles and went on a shooting spree to announce their arrival, adding that some residents, on hearing the gunshots, ran into the bush while others remained indoors for fear of being ambushed.
The eyewitness further disclosed that some of the victims were killed in their homes, while a few others who attempted to run away were gunned down. He added that the community was under siege for close to two hours.
“We made several attempts to alert the security agencies, but the network was bad. This further allowed the marauders to unleash terror for as long as they could. When the security men finally arrived, they had disappeared into the bush,” he said.
Maj. Gen. Abubakar, who also serves as the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, noted that troops had recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition during the operation.
“Following hours of sustained night operations, we have apprehended 20 suspects directly and indirectly involved in the last attack on Tingbwa Gidan Ado village in Riyom LGA on Dec. 22,” he stated.
“We have also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition which has greatly starved criminal elements of the freedom of action to carry out their nefarious activities.
“Let the spirit of Christmas renew our commitment to the values we hold dear; let it inspire us to serve with even greater passion and determination,” he said.
The commander also commended the troops of OPSH and the 3 Division for their dedication to ensuring the relative peace being enjoyed in the state.
“On this special day, I acknowledge and applaud the sacrifices you have made; many of you are far away from home, unable to celebrate Christmas and the yuletide season with family and loved ones.
“While others enjoy the warmth of family and the comfort of home, you endure the realities of duty. Your courage and resilience would never go unnoticed as they embody the highest form of sacrifice.
“However, I charge you all to remain disciplined, loyal, vigilant, and professional in your conduct this season and always,” he urged.
Abubakar expressed his gratitude to the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for their leadership and strategic guidance, which have enabled troops to achieve numerous operational successes using both kinetic and non-kinetic measures.
Below are the names of those brutally murdered:
1. Danladi Arabo, 48 years
2. Hassan Wula, 52 years
3. Faith Basuna, 19 years
4. Basuna Moses, 22 years
5. Moses Yakubu, 48 years
6. Laraba Randi, 18 years
7. Danlami Gado, 50 years
8. Azumi Moses, 13 years
9. Talatu Hassan, 42 years
10. Chama Ernest, 20 years
11. Agumo Monday, 20 years
12. Sheba Ernest, 1 year
13. Mary Stephen, 33 years
14. Isereh Moses, 35 years
Additionally, others sustained severe injuries and are currently receiving medical attention: They are:
1. Linda Moses, 45 years
2. Mary Yakubu, 75 years
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