Special Task Force Intercepts 213 Vehicles Belonging to Armed Vigilantes in Plateau State

By Jide Afolabi, Jos

The Special Task Force (STF) Commander, Major General Rogers Ibe Nicholas in Jos yesterday said it intercepted 213 vehicles of armed vigilantes attempting unauthorised entry into the state

Major General Rogers disclosed this during a courtesy call on the Plateau state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said that the vehicles were intercepted at Sector 9 command check point in Riyom Local Government Area of the state.

He noted that the vigilante group came from various states with the aim to begin training at the NYSC orientation camp in Mangu Local Government Area of the state without authorisation from relevant authorities.

He claimed that “The group wore different types of uniforms and when intercepted, they said they were coming from Jigawa, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Taraba, Kwara, Kaduna, Kebbi and Benue States. Upon due interrogation, we found out that they were illegally making entry into Plateau State for the purpose of training, and we have made it clear that we shall not allow any group of persons come into the state with arms for whatever purpose without due authorisation because we want to sustain the peace we have laboured so hard to build.

He said further that “If anyone is coming into Plateau state with arms to train, you must have documents to show, before we can allow you.”

The CAN Chairman, Plateau state chapter, Rev. Soja Bewarang, commended the STF for acting promptly by arresting the strange intruders in the guise of vigilante group, adding that the church will continue to pray for the task force for the sustenance of the existing peace in the state.

Recall that Plateau state has been the epicentre of ethno religious crises for almost two decades until recently.

The Commander has since his appointment been consulting with relevant stakeholders including religious and traditional leaders in the state to garner support for sustainable peace efforts in the state.