The ‘One Plateau Unity Forum’ has expressed sadness over the brutal killing of one of its members, Rinji Peter Bala, allegedly by a security operative attached to Operation Safe Heaven, in Plateau state.
The Forum said the unfortunate incident by the trigger happy and overzealous security personnel could threaten the collective resolve of the Plateau people who had been living in peace and harmony in recent times.
The incident, the group reiterated, could also undermine the efforts of the Plateau State Government and security operative in ensuring lasting peace in the State.
In a press released signed by its President, Mr. Arum Arin, the Forum said: “As a pressure group, we will not take this incident lightly and we shall ensure that all available legal means are followed to see that justice is served and the culprit is not only apprehended but punished according to extant laws.
“We have received with dismay several cries and complaints by our people from different communities about extra judicial killings by some elements amongst security teams sent to protect the lives and properties of our people.
“One wonders at this juncture who the people are expected to run to for help and safety when criminal elements like marauders invade us as has been the case over the years.”
The Forum’s President, however, appealed to the Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong, the leadership of Operation Safe Heaven and the Federal Government to ensure all cases of extra judicial killings in the area are investigated and prosecuted to serve as deterrents to others.
It further pointed out that, “it is our candid view that members of the Police Force, including para-military personnel who carry arms and are vested with the responsibility to enforce law and order be made to undergo mandatory psychological evaluation before being deployed to communities; this is to further safeguard lives and improve the security of our people.”
