In response to the recent wave of violence and killings in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Christians in the region have made a bold declaration of their readiness to take up weapons and combat the Fulani militia responsible for the attacks.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Mangu LGA, Reverend Timothy Daluk, has accused the Nigerian Military of colluding with these militants, further heightening tensions within the community.
Rev. Timothy Daluk called for the immediate withdrawal of Nigerian soldiers from the region, as he prepared to convene a meeting with Christian leaders to strategize on how to defend themselves against the ongoing violence. His allegations against the military include displacing Christians, enforcing curfews selectively in Christian areas, and allowing the militias to burn down their homes.
“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 is the military sending our people away for the militia to burn their houses,” Rev. Daluk expressed with evident agitation.
According to the CAN chairman, the military’s actions have forcibly expelled Christians from the new market, leaving Muslim communities unaffected and vulnerable to violence. He claims that the military has killed three young men and rejects the assertion that one incident involved a “fake soldier.”
“At this particular point in time, they have sent every Christian away from the new market, leaving the Muslims free to go and burn their houses. They have imposed a curfew that solely affects people within the Christian domain,” Rev. Daluk stated.
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He further revealed that the military’s alleged actions resulted in the killing of three young men, one of whom was a member of his own church. Rev. Daluk reported the incident to the relevant security authorities, but initially faced doubt regarding the involvement of a soldier. After providing evidence, he convinced them that it was not a “fake soldier” but a serving soldier who had committed the act. Following this revelation, the accused soldier disappeared from the scene.
The situation in Plateau State calls for urgent action from the Nigerian government to address the growing insecurity and restore confidence in the security apparatus. It is crucial to conduct thorough investigations into the alleged collusion between security forces and militant groups, ensuring accountability for all parties involved. The government must prioritize the protection of all citizens, regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds, and work towards fostering peace, unity, and security in the region.
If these pressing issues are not promptly addressed, Nigeria faces the imminent danger of descending into anarchy. The increasing willingness of citizens to arm themselves taints the already fragile social fabric and presents a severe risk to stability. Therefore, the federal government must acknowledge the gravity of the situation and take immediate measures to restore faith in the security apparatus through transparent and decisive actions.
Addressing the deep-rooted security challenges requires a comprehensive approach, encompassing strengthening security forces, enhancing intelligence capabilities, and improving inter-agency coordination. Only through proactive measures and a steadfast commitment can the government protect its citizens, prevent anarchy, and pave the way for a secure and united Nigeria.