DHQ kicks as cleric accuses troops of ‘aiding killing of Christians’ in Plateau

Timothy Daluk, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Mangu LGA of Plateau, has accused troops of the Nigerian army of allegedly aiding the killing of Christians in the LGA.

In a now-viral video, Daluk alleged that the troops sent away Christians from the area to allow the militia to burn their houses.

On Monday, at least eight people were killed during violence that erupted in Mangu town of Mangu LGA in Plateau.

On Tuesday, the Plateau state government declared a 24-hour curfew in Mangu LGA.

There have been recurring attacks in communities of the LGA, leading to loss of lives and property.

Recently, some residents set houses on fire in Mangu Town, in protest of the deteriorating security situation.

In the video, Daluk claimed that troops restricted the curfew to Christian-dominated areas of Mangu, while free movement was allowed in other areas.

“I am here to report the situation happening in Mangu local government for the whole world to understand,” he said.

“What is happening in Mangu at this particular point in time, the military are the ones sending our people away for the militia to burn their houses.

“At this particular point in time, they have sent every Christian away from the new market, thereby leaving the Muslims to come and burn their houses.

“They set the curfew. The curfew is only restricted to only people within the Christian domain. Within the Muslim domain, they are free to move and do whatever they want to do.”

The cleric also accused troops of killing three young men he knew.

He called for the withdrawal of troops from Mangu LGA, adding that he will mobilise Christians to defend themselves.

“Now that I am speaking to you, all of them have switched off their (referring to military personnel) phones, and they allowed the place to be burned down and raided by the people. And this is what is going on now that I am speaking to you,” he said.

‘BASELESS, UNTRUE’

Reacting to Daluk’s comments, the Defence Headquarters, on Thursday, said the accusations against the military are “baseless, untrue, and lack any reasonable foundation”.

In a statement by Tukur Gusau, acting director of defence information, DHQ said the troops deployed to Mangu LGA to enforce the curfew, carried out their duties “professionally and in accordance with the rules of engagement”.

Gusau said it is “deeply disturbing” for a religious leader to resort 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,” the statement reads.

“We will deal with anybody found disobeying the law, without bias or prejudice.

“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 from such acts.

“Henceforth, any person found spreading falsehoods will face constitutional redress, regardless of their status in society.”