The Special Military Force, Safe Haven Operation (OPSH) providing security in Kaduna has dismissed accusations of bias made against the team by a South Kaduna group, the Zangon Kataf Youth Christian Association of Nigeria,
In a statement on Friday, seen by Newslodge, Oya James, captain and OPSH media information officer, said the military would not be distracted by the search to protect lives and property in South Kaduna.
“Our attention has been drawn to a misleading video report that has gone viral on social media captioned ‘South Kaduna community protests killings, accuses army of compromise.’
“The allegation was made through the Reverend Victor Yahaya, leader of the Zango Kataf Nigerian Local Government Area Christian Youth Association.
“The entire story was created to distract the military from fulfilling their duties to protect life and property.
“OPSH is shocked that a cleric who should embody leadership and good example in every way can maliciously accuse the military of compromise.
“This is very unfortunate, especially when it is evident that the army has reduced the rate of attacks in the South Kaduna area of Kaduna State,” he added.
He called on the public to continue to support OPSH with the information needed to effectively address security issues in the area.
“As a noble institution, OPSH is neutral and would not compromise its constitutional functions under any pretext.
Earlier, Nigeria’s Zangon Kataf Youth Christian Association accused the military of failing to respond promptly to terror attacks in the area.
The allegation was made through Victor Yahaya, leader of the Nigerian Zango Kataf Local Government Area Christian Youth Association.
Zangon Kataf Attacks
Two weeks ago Newslodge reported a terrorist attack against residents of Zangon Kataf. Several neighbors died in the attack.
The president of the Atyap Community Development Association, a community organization in the area, Sam Timbuwak, said the initial killings occurred in the Atak’Njei community.
He said the gunmen invaded the community from a nearby bush and began firing indiscriminately, killing eight people in the process.
Days later another attack was launched against the town and some 27 residents were killed.
Thousands of people have been killed or kidnapped in Zangon Kataf in south Kaduna, which is experiencing an upsurge in terror attacks.
Kaduna in recent years has witnessed attacks by various armed groups. The killings have continued despite the efforts of the security forces.