Jonathan cautions military on civilian casualties
The President, Goodluck Jonathan
yesterday urged the Joint Military Task Force, JTF, in the Niger-Delta,
which is currently operating in Ayakoromor community in Burutu Local
Government of Delta State to ensure that civilian are protected.
He also expressed his heartfelt
sympathy to the families of all those who are currently displaced as a
result of the JTF operation.The directive is coming on the heels of
widespread criticism of the JTF’s raid of camps suspected to be
harbouring John Togo, a runaway militant leader in the region, which
has led to some deaths and displacement of hundreds.
One of those already opposed to the
operation is former Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly
and the secretary of Uduaghan Campaign Organisation, Funkekeme Solomon
who has condemned the alleged killings by the JTF, stating that it is
unacceptable in a democratic setting.
Speaking on behalf of the president,
media aide, Ima Niboro, in a chat with pressmen at the statehouse, said
the president has commended the efforts of JTF so far, especially “in
fishing out criminal elements from the region” and advised “that the
defenseless civilian population be protected, while the operation
lasts”.
According to him “the army also has a responsibility to protect the
harmless civil populace”.While appealing for calm from all parties
affected by the military operation, the spokesman stated that the
government is prepared to immediately reduce the sufferings of
identified innocent civilians and all those in need of one assistance
or another.</
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