Four persons are reported to have been shot and severely wounded on Tuesday during a clash between youths and soldiers in Panyam town in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The youths, believed to be Okada Riders, were reported to have protested alleged extortion and maltreatment by the security operatives at the Panyam check-point.
Igbere TV learnt that 8 youths have been arrested by the security operatives of Special Task Force (STF), responsible for the maintenance of peace in the State.
A reliable source, who spoke to our correspondent, blamed the incident on the youths who in protest of the allegedly extortion and maltreatment, took the law into their hands.
“It is unfortunate that the once quiet Panyam Community was woken up this morning of Tuesday with a crisis that saw the people (Security operatives), who are being paid with Tax Payers’ Money attack them.
“About 4 persons were injured by bullet wound, ’’ the source disclosed.
Another source said the trouble began when the Chairman of the Okad Riders reported the security operatives at the Town’s check point to the Sector Commander in Mangu on how they were being extorted and maltreated.
The source claimed that in display of annoyance, the soldiers decended on the leader of the Okada riders and beat him to stupor.
Consequently, the motorcyclists regrouped and sacked the soldiers at their check point, a development which did not go down well with them (Soldiers).
“They mobilized their colleagues in other parts of the LGA and decended on any community member that came their way”, the source alleged.
However, Maj. Gen Nichols Rogers, Commander of the Military Task Forçe, who visited the scene of the incident in the company of the Mangu LG Sole Administrator, Mrs Esther Polit, described it as “very sad’’ and “unfortunate.’’
He appealed to the people of the community, especially the youths, to calm down and resist any attempt of taking the law into their hands.
“Whatever may be your grievances, you endeavour to report it to the constituted authorities and not to take the law into your hands.
“I wish assure that we shall look into your complaints and address it appropriately; any of my officers found liable will be dealt with to serve as deterrent to others, ’’ the commander assured.
Rogers debunked the report that 4 persons were shot as according to him, “no civilian was shot or wounded; the only person wounded is a Police officer among my men.”
“The good thing is that calm has returned to Panyam, and the community people have apologized to us over the attitude and behavior of the irate youths.
“As for the youths arrested, we have only 4 of them in our custody and not 8 as alleged, ’’ the STF Commander asserted.
Also speaking on the incident, Chief Aminu Derwam, the Vilage Head of Panyam, expressed shock with the action of the youths, whom he said never complained over the alleged activities of the soldiers.
“This incident is very saddened and shocking because it is very wrong for the youth to take the law into their hands by attempting to sack the soldiers, who in our community to help keep law and order”, the Paramount ruler decried.
