Following the attacks that happened in Numan Local Government of Adamawa State on Wednesday, residents of the area have accused the military of an alleged complicity.
This follows conflicting figures trailing victims of the unfortunate violence by suspected herdsmen.
Bagoje Bulus, who is a village vigilante and survivor of the attack, told Channels Television that the military took away their weapons 10 minutes before the arrival of the attackers.
He said, “When the military came, we were reluctant. They were going back and saw our boys with weapons. They collected the weapons from Yanga, not in this community but a neighbouring village.
“Before going away, they collected the weapons from our boys. 10 minutes later, the attackers arrived. These people operate like Boko Haram. What have we to take revenge?
Meanwhile, the member representing Numan constituency in the State House of Assembly, Honourable Sodom Tayedi, called on the government to secure the area by beefing up security.
She said, “We have been making calls for the government to intervene. The government should stop these people.
“It is the responsibility of the government to protect the lives and properties of citizens. This community is one of the responsibilities of the government.”
According to the lawmaker, the soldiers allegedly connived with the suspected herdsmen for the attack to have been successfully carried out.
She added, “It seems as if there is an alleged connivance. I see no reason why soldiers saddled with the responsibility of security issues will come and leave the mercenaries (herdsmen). They (the soldiers) came and opened doors for these people (herdsmen) to attack our people.”
The police have since reacted to the attack. They claim that 15 people were killed in the onslaught against innocent residents of the area. The community, on the other hand, insists that 30 people that lost their lives were buried.
The spokesman for the State Police Command, SP Othman Abubakar, gave the assurance that the police was working round the clock to forestall a recurrence of the incidence.
The military authorities are yet to respond to the allegations levelled against them.
Neither the Brigade Commander of 23 Brigade Yola nor the Army Public Relations officer of the Brigade could be reached for comments.
