Illegal Checkpoint: Tension Brews In Wase Over Extortion By Youths
By CHMBERLAIN ODEY, JOS – The peace currently being enjoyed by the people of Plateau South Senatorial zone may soon give way if the alleged illicit activities of Bashar youths in Wase Local Government Area are not quickly checked and brought under control.
Palpable tension and possible disturbance of the peace that could lead to break down of law and order as well as create disorder in the State security architecture are highly noticeable. This followed what many described as illegal mounting of checkpoints to extort money from miners who use the area as transit routes to convey their goods to the international market.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris had in April 2017 ordered the dismantling of all road blocks in whatever name or form by all States and Local Government Councils for whatever purpose.
One of the companies being affected by the youth’s activities is Solid Unit Nigeria Limited (SUNL), a licensed mining company, that carries out its solid minerals mining business in New Zurak, a location in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State and transports its goods to various destinations using the route through Bashar.
Checks by Forefront News indicate that SUNL is operating legally with a history of mutual relations with the host community based on its policy of community development. This has seen the company investing in the education, health, and other social infrastructure development of the area.
A dependable source in New Zurak told Forefront News that the host community has no problem with Solid Unit Nigeria as its activities and operations are not only known to government, but the company has been magnanimous and socially responsible in terms of its community relations programmes.
He therefore wondered why the youths in Bashar, which is only a transit route, will choose to obstruct access and engage the company in an unnecessary confrontation which consequences are unquantifiable for now.
In Bashar, where emotions and tension are already boiling over, another source said some youth in the area have been fomenting trouble by engaging the solid mineral companies through illegal mounting of road blocks for sheer political manipulations and selfish motives by some certain individuals, who want to put their political interests above the common good of the community.
It was further gathered that the youths in Bashar are allegedly being misguided, misled and mobilised for such uncharitable and heinous acts by a member of the House of Representatives for Wase Federal constituency, Hon Ahmed Idris Maje.
Some concerned members of the community have therefore called on the security agencies and other relevant authorities to rise to the occasion immediately to save Plateau South from another round of crises and bloodletting.
