Plateau: Army Pledges Compensation for Properties Damaged by Soldiers

The Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) revealed on Thursday that the Nigerian Army has promised to compensate for houses and vehicles that were destroyed by soldiers attached to Operation Enduring Peace in the Jong and Luggere communities of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, the State Chairman of MACBAN, confirmed this development. He stated that the Sector 4 commander of the operation had visited the affected communities and assured them of repairs for the damages incurred.

Earlier, on Tuesday, the group had accused soldiers from Sector 4 of an unprovoked attack, during which vehicles were destroyed, and houses, food supplies, clothing, generators, and other valuable possessions were burned.

MACBAN also alleged that the soldiers had confiscated goods worth millions of naira.

However, the association's chairman noted that the army commander visited the communities on Thursday to address the destruction caused by the soldiers. Babayo quoted the commander as saying, “The Sector 4 commander visited the communities and pleaded with us over the losses. The commander confirmed to us during the visit that he didn’t give any order to that effect. He also promised to repair the damaged vehicles and houses burned.”

In addition to these assurances, the MACBAN chairman provided food items to the victims who had lost their belongings. He mentioned, “they brought some bags of rice, gari, and other foodstuffs to cushion the effect of what happened to them (communities).”

Babayo expressed gratitude for the military sector commander's concern regarding the actions of his soldiers and urged the army to fulfill its promises.

He emphasized the significant financial losses faced by the victims, stating, “The victims have lost millions of naira worth of property. They really need assistance because their houses and other important items were burned.”

According to our correspondent's report, this destruction occurred amidst heightened security concerns in areas including Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Jos North, where numerous lives have been lost.