In a distressing incident in the Mangu local government area of Plateau State, members of the late Damden Datom’s family and Mr. Sunday Yusuf claim to have been shot by Operation Safe Haven (OpSH) soldiers, prompting them to file a petition to high-ranking officials. The family is demanding a compensation of N1 billion for the loss of Damden Datom and the severe injury sustained by Mr. Sunday Yusuf.
The petition, addressed to Chief of Defense Staff General Christopher Musa and others, calls for a thorough investigation into the alleged shooting incident. Damden Datom reportedly died on the spot, while Mr. Sunday Yusuf survived but lost one hand due to the gunshot injury.
Dated January 31, 2024, and received on February 6, 2024, the letter was also copied to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division, Commander Operation Safe Haven, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Governor of Plateau State, and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The letter, titled “Extra-judicial killing of late Damden Dafur Datom and injury of Mr. Sunday Yusuf,” highlights the alleged unprofessional conduct by military personnel in Mangu LGA and emphasizes the demand for compensation and a comprehensive investigation.
According to their lawyer, D. A. Dalong Esq of D. A. Dalong and Associates, the incident occurred on January 24, 2024, when OpSH personnel allegedly opened fire on unarmed civilians in Angwan Sarki, close to the Mishkaham Mwaghavul Palace, Mangu LGA. Damden Datom was fatally shot, while Mr. Sunday Yusuf sustained injuries leading to the amputation of his hand.
The victims’ spokesperson, Mr. Longs Datom, expressed the survivors’ call for justice, stating that they were merely keeping watch in front of their homes to prevent a recurrence of the 2023 Christmas Eve attack. He criticized the soldiers for turning their guns against them without provocation.
The Datom family and Mr. Sunday Yusuf have submitted petitions to various authorities, including the Inspector General of Police, Chief of Defense Staff, and Governor of Plateau State, seeking a thorough investigation and prosecution of those responsible.
Despite OpSH’s denial of awareness of the incident, the Media Officer, Capt. James Oya, stated that the Legal Team would handle the matter, conducting investigations and responding accordingly to the petition.
