TEXT OF PRESS BRIEFING BY LIEUTENANT COLONEL CHIMA OBINNA EGEMOLE COMMANDING OFFICER 93 BATTALION ON THE CRISIS IN IBI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA ON FRIDAY 25TH MARCH 2016
1. On behalf of Officers and men of 93 Battalion, I
am delighted to welcome you to our
Headquarters in Takum. Let me start by thanking
you most sincerely for your continuous
commitment and support in publicizing the
activities of the Nigerian Army in aid to civil
authority as ensured in the 1999 Constitution of
the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As amended) and
to reassure you of the Chief of Army Staff
commitment to protect lives and properties
whenever we are called upon to do so in line with
the provisions of the law.
2. The essence of this briefing is to create
awareness in the public on what happened on the
25th March 2016 at Ibi Local Government Area
(LGA). Ibi LGA of Taraba state has been
characterized by ethno-religious crisis and the
one of 25th March 2016 was one of such. The
incidence started by some youths throwing stones
at Muslims in the mosque during Juma'at prayers
which 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. For now, there has been
no report of death.
3. However, 6 persons have so far been arrested
in connection to the crisis and manhunt is
ongoing for other perpetrators. The troops have
recovered 3 AK-47 assault rifles, 2 AK47
magazines, 4 single barrel guns, 11 cartridges, 1
axe, 2 hammers, 1 cutlass, 2 handsaws, 1 knife, 3
mobile phones, 1 catapult, 1 broken butt, 19
rounds
of 5.56mm, 104 rounds of 7.2mm (Special)
ammunitions and I litre of Premium Motor Spirit
(PMS) from the suspects. In line with established
procedure, we will be handing over suspects and
arms to the Nigeria Police Force for further
investigation and prosecution.
4. It is worthy to note, prior to this incidence, the
Unit had 2 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.
5. 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.
6. Further more, measures have been put in place
for more peace meetings to resolve the ongoing
crisis in Ibbi 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. Thank you.
am delighted to welcome you to our
Headquarters in Takum. Let me start by thanking
you most sincerely for your continuous
commitment and support in publicizing the
activities of the Nigerian Army in aid to civil
authority as ensured in the 1999 Constitution of
the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As amended) and
to reassure you of the Chief of Army Staff
commitment to protect lives and properties
whenever we are called upon to do so in line with
the provisions of the law.
2. The essence of this briefing is to create
awareness in the public on what happened on the
25th March 2016 at Ibi Local Government Area
(LGA). Ibi LGA of Taraba state has been
characterized by ethno-religious crisis and the
one of 25th March 2016 was one of such. The
incidence started by some youths throwing stones
at Muslims in the mosque during Juma'at prayers
which 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. For now, there has been
no report of death.
3. However, 6 persons have so far been arrested
in connection to the crisis and manhunt is
ongoing for other perpetrators. The troops have
recovered 3 AK-47 assault rifles, 2 AK47
magazines, 4 single barrel guns, 11 cartridges, 1
axe, 2 hammers, 1 cutlass, 2 handsaws, 1 knife, 3
mobile phones, 1 catapult, 1 broken butt, 19
rounds
of 5.56mm, 104 rounds of 7.2mm (Special)
ammunitions and I litre of Premium Motor Spirit
(PMS) from the suspects. In line with established
procedure, we will be handing over suspects and
arms to the Nigeria Police Force for further
investigation and prosecution.
4. It is worthy to note, prior to this incidence, the
Unit had 2 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.
5. 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.
6. Further more, measures have been put in place
for more peace meetings to resolve the ongoing
crisis in Ibbi 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. Thank you.
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