Herders in Kwok community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State have accused operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) of harassing residents, assaulting people and destruction of their property during a security raid in the community.

The herders said their women were subjected to different kinds of violence for an offence they said they did not commit, alleging that cash, metal tin and property were taken away by the operatives.

Speaking to reporters in Kwok community on Thursday, residents alleged that following the raid on Saturday, they could not find their money, tin, and other valuables. They added that DSS operatives had been coming to the community for four consecutive days.

Yusuf Muhammad, an elder in the community, condemned the raid, saying: “On the first day of the operation, the operatives stormed the community around 12:00pm on Saturday shooting sporadically. They dispersed residents and cattle. Even children were affected and many were injured.

“Is that how security operatives are expected to operate, even with an alleged attempted sexual harassment? They assaulted women. We are Nigerian citizens like any other person. We will follow all legal means to ensure justice is served,” Yusuf added.

Another community leader, Abubakar Usman, described the incident as terrifying. He said: “We don’t know why security operatives always come to our community. If they are suspecting anything, they should come in a manner that will not amount to harassment and intimidation. If they suspect any bad element, they should inform us and we will help them arrest the person.”

Efforts to get the reaction of the DSS proved abortive, as its personnel in Barkin Ladi refused to comment, directing our correspondent to go to the state headquarters.

At the state headquarters, the Personal Assistant to the Director General said only the National Headquarters responds to inquiries. (The Nation)

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