Plateau Killings: DHQ Invite CAN Chairman For Accusing Military of Aiding Killings

The Defence Headquarters has said it would request to meet with the plateau state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev Timothy Daluk, over his recent comment against the military.

In a viral video trending on social media Daluk had accused the Nigerian military of supervising the killings of Christians and destruction of property in the state.

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.

“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.”

Responding to this allegation following an inquiry from a correspondent from punch on Thursday, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba said the DHQ was in the process of reaching out to the cleric to substantiate his allegations.

 “DHQ is in the process of reaching out to him to come and substantiate the claims. It is not unusual for emotions to cloud people’s judgment when they have been confronted with a very traumatising experience.

“We will get to the bottom of his allegations after we have an audience with him. All the same, the military will continue to discharge its duties professionally and in line with the best international standards.”

meanwhile, In a statement by the Acting Director of Defence Information, Tukur Gusau on the Defence Headquarters X handle on Thursda claimed the allegations were untrue, malicious and lacked any reasonable basis.

The statement read:

“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 in accordance with the rules of engagement. They have successfully arrested criminals involved in looting and burning of properties, as well as recovered weapons.”

Source: X | DefenceInfoNG

Source : the punch