The Nigerian Army has asked the residents of Dura Du in Plateau State where the vehicle of missing retired Major General Idris Alkali was found among others, not to flee the area in panic assuring that its men and officers will not harm innocent ones among them.
In a statement by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Kayode Ogunsanya, the Army said: “the attention of Headquarters 3 Division has been drawn to reports that the residents of Dura-Du District have fled and abandoned their homes and business premises to avoid being clamped down by the troops involved in the Search and Rescue Operation for the missing retired senior officer.
“Please be informed that the Nigerian Army is a professional organisation that conducts its operations with international best practices and respect for fundamental human rights.
“The troops involved in the search and rescue operation only apprehended those who have information about the missing retired senior officer based on credible intelligence.
“Consequently, the good and peace loving people of Jos South, especially Dura-Du District, are enjoined not to desert their homes and business premises and urged them to go about their legitimate businesses.”
The Army cautioned against the residents abandoning their properties which hoodlums would pounce on, even as it appealed to anyone with credible information about the whereabouts of the missing retired senior officer to contact phone number 09074028881.
According to the statement, a handsome reward awaits a credible informant, assuring that the source of information shall be protected.
It called on everyone within the area of responsibility to remain vigilant and report any suspected breach of peace to security agencies.
General Alkali, the immediate past Chief of Administration, Army Headquarters, Abuja, was declared missing on September 3 this year. He was said to have gone missing on his way to Bauchi after leaving Abuja in the morning.
Consequently, the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Tukur Buratai, set up an operation to search for the missing officer.
The army said that after a thorough search and investigation, they stumbled on some intelligence that made it necessary to search a mining pond at Dura-du, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation being jointly conducted by Operation Safe Haven and 3 Division Nigeria Army, Rukuba, recovered four vehicles from the pond, including the one Alkali was driving before his disappearance.
The situation led to fears, anxiety, and apprehension that army would carry out a military action in the area as it continues its search for the general or his remains.
According to reports, members of the community fled their homes for fear of being attacked by security operatives.
Source: NAN.
