Taraba State government has stated that the unceremonious withdrawal of the military at Takum and Donga local governments in the southern part of the state at a time armed bandits are scaling up attacks in the area is worrisome.
In a recent interview with newsmen on Saturday, the Media Adviser to Governor Darius Ishaku, Emmanuel Bello accused the military of withdrawing its troops from the volatile Takum and Donga local governments without explanations.
According to Emmanuel Bello, residents of these two local governments woke up early Saturday morning to find out the military was no longer seen across the strategic locations in their communities.
“The unceremonious withdrawal of the military at the time armed bandits are scaling up attacks in the area is worrisome and calls for quick attention.
” It is worrisome that despite the State government’s pledge to work with the military and other agencies to guarantee the safety of lives and properties of the people, the military could suddenly withdraw unexpectedly like this.”
On whether Operation Cat Race in the state has been successful, the governor’s Media aide said only the people can judge.
“I think we will leave our people to judge whether the Operation Cat Race has been successful or not. What I know for sure is that the state government is ready to partner with any agency that will help bring lasting peace to the state. However, if despite the ongoing operation in the state, we could still record the attack we recorded a few days ago, what would happen now that the military has withdrawn its troops,” Bello said.
While admitting that troops’ withdrawal might be a military strategy, Bello said the government is worried about the communication gap between the military and the state government. He however urged the military authority to look into this development to avert likely attacks on innocent lives in the state.
At the time of filing this report, the military has not responded to the allegation, and neither are the troops back to the affected local governments.