By Chijioke Kingsley
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – The Nigeria military has described a video circulating in the media, made by the Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Mangu Chapter, as untrue, malicious and misleading.
The military said that Rev. Timothy Daluk, the CAN Chairman in Mangu is not grateful to the military efforts in stopping the crisis to escalate to other parts of the communities.
Speaking in a statement by the Acting Director Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, the military re-emphasised that Rev. Daluk is aiming to malign the military personnel deployed to address the security challenges in Mangu general area.
Our correspondent reports that a video made by the Head of the Mangu chapter of CAN has been circulating even on Channels Television, causing disaffection and further generating tension in the State at large.
Mangu is a local government area in Plateau, the hometown of the sitting Governor, Caleb Mutfwang.
The area has been under attack since April 2023.
A curfew was imposed by the Governor on the 23rd of January 2024.
This will be the second time since the crisis began, that a curfew will be imposed.
It is worrisome therefore that with a curfew in place, an attack was still carried out the same night leaving over 30 persons dead, our correspondent narrated.
However, discrediting the claims of the CAN scribe, the military said: “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.
“Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN were reinforced in Mangu to enforce the curfew as imposed by the Governor, thereby preventing spread of the attack to other areas of the community.
“The troops have carried out their duties professionally and in accordance with the rules of engagement. They have successfully arrested criminals involved in looting and burning of properties, as well as recovered weapons.
“It is deeply disturbing that a religious leader, who is expected to demonstrate high levels of moral judgement 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.
“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”, the military said.
