The Defence Headquarters has debunked allegations of culpability by the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Mangu Chapter, Reverend Timothy Daluk in the killing of Christians in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
In a video circulated on social media, Rev. Daluk stated that the military was shielding the terrorists while they burned houses of indigenes and killed the Christians.
So far, over 30 persons have been killed in the crisis while so many families have been wiped out through burning and beheading by the terrorists. An act that led the State Governor Caleb Muftwang to impose a 24-hour curfew which was not adhered to by the terrorists.
In several videos, the people of Mangu LGA have also accused the Nigerian military of abetting the killers.
However, the Defence Headquarters in a statement on Thursday, signed by its Acting Director of Defence Information, Tukur Gusau stated that the accusation is malicious and holds no truth and remains committed to its constitutional role of protecting the lives and property of law-abiding citizens.
The statement titled, ‘PLATEAU SECURITY: CIRCULATION OF MALICIOUS VIDEO SPREADING FALSEHOOD ABOUT MILITARY PERSONNEL’ reads below;
1. The attention of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has been drawn to a malicious video made by the Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Mangu Chapter, Reverend Timothy Daluk. The video has been circulating in the media, aiming to malign military personnel deployed to address the security challenges in the Mangu general area.
2. The video made baseless and untrue accusations, claiming that the military is biased and supports a particular group against others. We categorically state that these accusations hold no truth, are malicious, and lack any reasonable foundation.
3. It is important to recall that on 23 January 2024, there was a breach of security in the Mangu municipal area, resulting in the Government of Plateau State declaring a 24-hour curfew. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN were reinforced in Mangu to enforce the curfew and bring the situation under control, thereby preventing its spread to other areas. The troops have carried out their duties professionally and by the rules of engagement. They have successfully arrested criminals involved in looting and burning of properties, as well as recovered weapons.
4. It is deeply disturbing that a religious leader, who is expected to demonstrate high levels of moral judgment and truthfulness, has resorted to spreading falsehoods about the military and its personnel. We want to reiterate that the military remains neutral, focused, professional, and committed to its constitutional role of protecting the lives and property of law-abiding citizens. We will deal with anybody found disobeying the law, without bias or prejudice.
5. We therefore call upon the public to support the ongoing military operations aimed at decimating non-state actors operating in these troubled areas of the State. We will not be distracted by baseless accusations and remain steadfast in our commitment to restoring peace and security. We strongly caution individuals involved in making malicious comments against the military to cease such acts. Henceforth, any person found spreading falsehoods will face constitutional redress, regardless of their status in society.
6. We sincerely appreciate the law-abiding citizens for their support and cooperation and assure the public of our unwavering dedication to preserving peace and security in the country. Thank you.
