By Israel Adamu
Herders in Kwok community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, have alleged harassment, intimidation and destruction of property following a security operation in the area.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, community members claimed that security operatives conducted a raid on Saturday and returned to the community on four consecutive days. They alleged that cash, metal containers and other valuables were missing from their homes after the operation.
A community elder, Yusuf Muhammad, alleged that the operatives entered the settlement around noon on Saturday, firing gunshots into the air and causing panic among residents.
According to him, the operation disrupted the community, scattered livestock and left some residents, including children, with injuries. He urged security agencies to conduct operations professionally and in accordance with the law. Another resident, Zainab Abubakar, alleged that armed operatives forced their way into her home during the exercise.
Community leader Abubakar Usman called for improved cooperation between security agencies and residents, saying the community would support lawful efforts to identify criminal suspects if properly engaged. Efforts to obtain official responses from the Plateau State Police Command and Operation Safe Haven, the military task force responsible for security in the area, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
