Btlsblog Latest News & Gossip
The Nigerian Army has reacted to allegations by the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Rev Timothy Daluk, that the Nigerian military was supervising the killings of Christians and destruction of properties in the area.
Downloads btlsblog mobile app on playstore
Recall that the local government has witnessed several security breaches since last December. On Tuesday, the state governor declared a 24-hour curfew in the local government area in a bid to stop the continuous attacks being carried out. Despite the curfew, the perpetrators of the attacks still stormed the local government on Tuesday night and killed over 30 persons.
In a video that has gone viral, Daluk said;
“I am here to report the situation happening in Mangu Local Government for the whole world to understand. 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,” he said with agitation.
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 Mangu – within the Christian domain. Within the Muslim domain, they are free to move and do whatever they want to do.
He accused the military of switching off their phones as tensions heightened within Mangu and its environs.
“Now that I am speaking to you, all of them have switched off their phones, and they allowed the place to be burned down and raided by the people,” he said.
He said Christians in the area have had enough and do not want military presence anymore.
“We don’t want the military in Mangu Local Government. They should pack their loads and go. We don’t want them. We don’t need them and we don’t want them. Because of the plan, they have been bought. They have been paid a price to carry out their duty. I am calling on the world to understand that this thing should stop, and people should come to our rescue to save us if not, that is an evil plan for them to destroy Mangu Local Government. Because the governor is from here, and we are not going to allow it,” he said
Mr Daluk said since the military won’t help defend them from the militia that has destroyed lives and properties, they will take matters into their own hands.
“The military should keep on killing us. We accept they should kill us, but we are not going to stop. I will organise the whole Christians in Mangu Local Government Area. We are going to fight. We are not going to stop, and that is what I said”
Reacting to the allegation, the military described it as baseless and untrue.
”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 in accordance with 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 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.
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 from 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.”
Watch the video of the CAN chairman speaking below….
