11th July, 2012
Desmond Utomwen/Abuja
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin has debunked reports in some sections of the media of fresh attacks in more villages in Plateau state, after previous massacres that killed over 150 people.
Represented by the Chief of Administration, Defence Headquarters, Rear Admr Dele Ezeoba, the Defence Chief told newsmen in Abuja that there was no iota of truth in the said reports, adding that instead of further attacks, the Special Task Force (STF) in Plateau State has been able to restore peace in the troubled state.
Some major media networks had reported on late Tuesday and Wednesday of fresh killings at Tse and Shong villages in Plateau state.
The reports alleged that the latest onslaught claimed 140 lives barely days after the previous attacks at Barkin Ladi and Ryom parts of the state where over 150 souls were slaughtered including Senator Gyang Dantong, and Hon. James Gyang Fulani.
The military has however denied any further attacks, attributing such reports as “sensationalisation” of security matters.
The CDS said: “The Defence Headquarters wish to use this opportunity to emphatically and categorically debunk the said report in its entirety and to assure Nigerians that there was no such attack as claimed in the said report.
“It is readily evident that the Special Task Force in Plateau State has been able to restore normalcy to the state despite the recent incident which is highly regrettable”.
“The Defence Headquarters wishes to once again reassure Nigerians that the security situation in Plateau State and indeed across the country is seriously been addressed. By the Nigerian Armed Forces in collaboration with other security agencies”, he noted.
“It is therefore pertinent to state that the efficacy of national security architecture will require the support of all Nigerians and most importantly the media in the fight against terror.
“Consequently, the media must ensure that its reportage is devoid of sensationalism and should rather be guided by accuracy of events as they occur, and whenever in doubt, should seek clarification from appropriate authority”, he said.