Operation Python Dance not meant to harass anyone — Dambazzau

The Minister of Interior, Abdularaman Dambazzau, has said the Federal Government did not establish the Operation Python Dance for the purpose of harassing anyone in the country.



The minister made the remarks while responding to questions from newsmen after attending emergency security meeting in Government House, Rayfield, Jos yesterday.

According to Dambazzau, “the Minister of Defense is in the best position to explain the purpose for which the special military troop was set up. But what I can say is that the government of President Muhammadu Buhari will not take any action that will put anyone in risk of his human rights.

“So, the establishment of Operation Python Dance is purely for security reasons and for the safety and protection of all Nigerians living in the South East.

“It is not only the Igbo that live in the South East. Other Nigerians also live there, and government will not fold its arms if it notices that lives of innocent Nigerians are beeing threatened in any part of the country.

“So, I can assure all Nigerians that Operation Python Dance is not out to wintchunt anyone. Let all Nigerians live in peace anywhere they find themselves.”

Commenting on the tense security situation in Plateau State, the minister said: “That is why I am in Jos to support the state government to curtail the security situation and to also assure the Plateau State Government that the Federal Government is with them at this trying moment.

“The state governor has taken commendable proactive steps to douse tension, and I will call on all stakeholders in the state to support the governor in sustaining the peace that has prevailed since he assumed power.

“This effort to prevent violence is not that of the governor alone; everyone in the state has the responsibility to ensure there is peace in the state. Plateau cannot afford to go back to the crisis era again”

In his remarks after the emergency security meeting held behind close door, Governor Lalong said the curfew imposed last Thursday night would remain for as long as there was tension in the state.

Lalong said: “The task of lifting the curfew is now in the hands of citizens of the state. If everyone remains calm, I will withdraw the curfew immediately. But if people refused to give peace a chance, then the curfew remains.

“So, the period this curfew will last is no longer in the hands of government but in the hands of the people. “