Farmers/Herders/Community Clashes: NAF Deploys Armed Helicopter, Ground Troops Keep the Peace.

Aftermath of unending clashes between Farmers and herdsmen on the one hand and communities on the other hand, that has caused numerous deaths and destruction of property, in Taraba State, the Nigerian Airforce has deployed an armed attack helicopter and ground airmen to Takum.

The NAF said it deployed the armed helicopters to Takum, Taraba State to give support to the ground forces of the military in the effort to maintain peace in the area.

According to Air Commodore Olatokumbo Adesanya, Director of Public Relations and Information, “The deployment of the helicopter is also to deter warring communities within the area from further engaging in violent activities.

“The helicopter is already carrying out armed reconnaissance missions within the Mambilla Plateau and environs”.

It will be recalled that pockets of violence broke out recently around the Mambilla Plateau resulting in the loss of lives and property.

Adesanya added that “The communal unrest between grazers and farmers subsequently led to the imposition of a curfew”.

“It therefore became necessary to deploy NAF air assets towards maintaining peace and providing air cover for ground troops”.

“So far, members of the communities have been observed to be going about their business in peace”.

“Meanwhile, another NAF helicopter will soon be deployed to Kafanchan, Kaduna State in support of the ground forces already working to maintain peace in the area”, the director said.

“The helicopter will operate from a new NAF Forward Operating Base being established in Kafanchan, as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to ensure lasting peace in Southern Kaduna State.”

Olatokumbo Adesanya, 

Air Commodore, 

Director of Public Relations, and Information. 

Nigerian Air Force