In a deeply troubling development from the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Reverend Timothy Daluk, the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has leveled grave accusations against the Nigerian military. In a video circulated on social media platforms, Rev. Daluk alleges that the military is facilitating the killings of Christians in the region, leading to a tragic escalation of violence and property destruction.
Accusations of Military Involvement
Rev. Daluk passionately reports from the heart of the conflict in Mangu, asserting that the military is actively displacing Christian residents to pave the way for militia-led arson attacks. According to him, the military’s imposition of a curfew is discriminatorily enforced, constraining Christian movements while allowing Muslims unchecked freedom.
Alleged Killings and Military Denials
The CAN chairman’s allegations grow more severe as he accuses the military of directly perpetrating violence against young Christian men. He recounts the killing of three individuals, including one near his church, initially attributed to “fake soldiers” by security forces. This assertion was later retracted, only to be replaced by vague references to the perpetrators’ disappearance.
See Also: Fulani Militias Attack Plateau Communities, Kill 15 Persons
Communication Blackout and Military’s Alleged Indifference
Further complicating the situation is the claim that military personnel have switched off their phones, creating a communication blackout as the crisis intensifies. Rev. Daluk’s frustration with what he perceives as a nonchalant attitude from the military is palpable. He emphatically declares the community’s rejection of military presence, insinuating that the military might be compromised.
Counterclaims from the Muslim Community
Adding complexity to the narrative, Malam Adamu Abdulsalam, Deputy Chairman of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in Mangu, reported to the Daily Trust newspaper contrasting accounts of mosques being burned and Muslim casualties.
The Bigger Picture
These distressing events unfold against the backdrop of a fresh crisis in Mangu, which has already claimed numerous lives and led to extensive property damage. Despite a 24-hour curfew declared by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the violence shows no signs of abating.
Lack of Official Response
Efforts by Peoples Gazette to reach Defence spokesperson Onyema Nwachukwu for comments have been met with silence, further shrouding the situation in uncertainty.
A Community on the Brink
Rev. Daluk’s final words resonate with a sense of desperation and determination. He speaks of organizing Christians for self-defense, a reflection of the community’s disillusionment with government and military protection.
Conclusion
As the situation in Mangu, Plateau State, continues to deteriorate, the conflicting narratives and accusations of military complicity highlight the complexities and deep-seated tensions in the region. With the deafening silence from the government and the crisis deepening, calls for locals to stand up and defend themselves in any way they can have seen an increase.
Source: PG