From Yakubu Busari, Jos.
Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State
The clash between soldiers and masquerades in Pankshin Town of Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau, which left a soldier dead and a rifle missing has raised tension in the area since last Friday, the day of the incident.
Trouble started when a masquerade, during their cultural festivity, allegedly whipped a soldier along the road for standing on their way. The melee that followed after the assaulted soldier mobilized his comrade-in-arms led to the death of a soldier and a missing rifle.
Worried that the situation could worsen further and compound the insecurity in the country, Governor Simon Lalong immediately set up a committee headed by retired AIG Makama Dabup to investigate the cause of the incident and make recommendations to the state government.
The eight man committee, chaired by AIG B Makama-Dabup, rtd, has it members: ACP Ben Osuji NPF Area Commander, Prof John Wade, Director General Research, Strategic Planning and Documentation, and Hon Emmanuel Lar, Chairman Kanke LGA
Others are Hon Damap John Danladi, Chairman Pankshin LGA, Chief Maicibi Vwarji, Emmanuel Luke Dogara DSS, and Danjuma Damenkyap John, OSGS to serve as Secretary.
However, in an effort to settle the clash between the Army and Masquerades in Pankshin, Senator Hezekiah Dimka has met with Pankshin and Kanke LGA chairmen Hon. John Damap and Hon. Emma Lar, the deputy chairman of Pankshin, Hon. Sam Mbok, Chief Maicibi Vwarji, a prominent APC chieftain.
