FG Deploys Troops To Nasarawa After Ombatse Cult Attack

The Federal Government has ordered an immediate deployment of troops to Nasarawa State, as members of the dreaded Ombatse ethnic militia continue to threaten the peace and security in the state.

The deployment was announced by the Director of Army Public Relations, Ibrahim Attahiru, at a briefing on Wednesday, saying the troops would be deployed from a battalion of the Nigerian Army.

A massacre has occurred earlier in the year where no fewer than 49 policemen and 10 officers of the State Security Service (SSS) were killed by the Ombatse militia at Lakyo village during a  joint reconnaissance exercise.



Members of the militia also inflicted heavy casualties on the civilian population, particularly people who did not belong to their ethnic group, or those perceived to be against their traditional beliefs.

Ever since, the security situation in the state has continued to take a frightening dimension, with prospects of the violence spreading to neighbouring states.

"Due to the heightened security situation in Nasarawa State, the Federal Government has ordered the deployment of Nigerian Army troops in order to prevent further escalation of the violence and its spread to other parts of the state.

"It is gratifying to note that the deployment of Nigerian Army troops in the violence prone area has helped in curbing the spread of violence by the Ombatse and other ethnic militia groups in Nasarawa State. The Federal Government and the Nasarawa State government are exploring other ways of ensuring quick return to normalcy," Gen. Attahiru stated.

The Army spokesman also said nine officers and men are currently being tried in a General Court Martial for offenses ranging from murder, manslaughter, issuing threats and use of abusive or provocative language.

According to him, some of the soldiers were also being tried for fighting, quarreling, disobedience and other tendencies capable of threatening established order.