Soldiers from 93 Battalion in Takum, Taraba State have arrested six persons and recovered arms and ammunitions during the recent communal clash in Ibi Local Government area of the state.
The Commanding Officer of the Battalion, Lt Colonel Chima Obinna Egemole disclosed that “What happened on the 25 March 2016 at Ibi Local Government Council was characterised by ethno-religious crisis.”
The officer said “The incidence started by some youths throwing stones at Muslims in the mosque during Jumuat praying which later escalated to sporadic shooting but for timely intervention of troops and other sister agencies, normalcy was restored and 24 hours curfew imposed.”
Lt Colonel Egemole restated the commitment of the troops to continue to ensure the safety of the citizens as more meetings have been held with the stakeholders to resolve the crisis in the area.
Egemole said that the incident started by some youths throwing stones at Muslims in the mosque during Jumaat praying later escalated to sporadic shooting but for the timely intervention of troops and other sister security agencies, normalcy was restored and 24 hours curfew imposed.
It said that prior to the incidence, the Unit had two major peace meetings as directed by higher authorities between the stakeholders within the same week but “it seemed all that was said fell on deaf ears, but dialogue will never cease.
“We will continue to encourage the stakeholders to resolve the crisis politically and will not relent in making sure there is lasting peace in Ibi as stipulated in the Chief of Army staff Vision.
“Furthermore, measures have been put in place for more peace meetings to resolve the ongoing crisis in Ibi LGA. All stakeholders in the area are also requested to educate mostly the youths on the need for peaceful co-existence and tolerance amongst one another for the benefit of growth and sustenance.”
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