Ignore T.Y Danjuma, Nigerian Army tells citizens

The Nigerian Army has called on Nigerians, especially citizens in Taraba State not to take seriously an advise proffered by a former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Theophilus Danjuma (retd.)

Danjuma, while speaking at the convocation ceremony of the Taraba State University on Saturday 24 March 2018 called on the people of Taraba State not to depend on the military to provide them with security, or safeguard their lives, in recurrent clashes between farmers and herders.

He advices them to take up arms and defend themselves, even as he categorically asserted that the Armed Forces of Nigeria was colluding with militias and other criminal elements in the conflicts.

But the Army in a statement on Sunday morning, by its Public Relations Director, Brigadier General Texas Chikwu described Danjuma’s assertion as “most unfortunate at this critical time that the military has embarked upon demilitarisation of the North Central Region of the Country”.

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He stated that the Nigerian Army would not want to join issues with the Elder Statesman, but is committed to carrying out its constitutional duties.

The statement noted that , the conduct of Ex AYEM AKPATUMA was authorised and troops deployed to curb menace of the herdsmen-farmers conflict and other criminal activities in the North Central Region amongst others.

“It is on record that the successes so far achieved in Ex AYEM AKPATUMA have been recognised and accepted by Nigerians.

“The public is notified that Nigerian Army personnel have had to pay the supreme price for ensuring the sustenance of security in Taraba State. For instance, a gallant non-commission officer of the Nigerian Army was beheaded on 16 March 2018 in Takum Taraba State by criminal elements.

“It is noteworthy to state that at the inception of Ex AYEM AKPATUMA, the Taraba State Government, did not cooperate with the Nigerian Army due to the Army’s stance to remain absolutely neutral in the herdsmen-farmers crisis. The Nigerian Army will continue to remain as such.

“For avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian Army advises the people of Taraba State and indeed all other Nigerians to continue in their day-to-day activities and be law abiding as anyone caught with arms and ammunition will be dealt with accordance with the laws of the land. Every law-abiding citizen is assured of equal protection and security of their lives and property irrespective of his/her person”.

 

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