The Christian Association of Nigeria’s chairman in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Rev. Timothy Daluk, is certain about his choice to keep making charges against the military in the midst of the crisis. He also states that he would be reluctant to accept any invites from the military.
Rev. Daluk was invited by the Defence Headquarters in response to his recent criticism of the military for the killings in Mangu. At least thirty people were killed in an attack by armed gunmen in Kwahaslalek village, in the Mangu LGA of the state, sparking a new wave of violence.
In addition, on that same day, multiple houses were set on fire in Mangu town and the surrounding districts, resulting in the deaths of over ten people.
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In Mangu LGA, Rev. Daluk has accused the Nigerian military of being in charge of the murders of Christians and the damage of property.
In a widely circulated video, he reported, “I am here to report the situation happening in the 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.”
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, responded to the Defence Headquarters’ announcement on Thursday that it planned to meet with Rev. Daluk about his remarks by saying that the DHQ was contacting the cleric to verify his claims.
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He said, “The 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 very traumatising experiences.
“We would 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 best international standards, please.”
Rev Daluk, however, remains steadfast in his position, stating to Punch, “We are not withdrawing our allegations. And I don’t see the reason to honour any invitation by the Defence Headquarters. They should be the ones to come down to Mangu and see for themselves. The evidence is there; graves are there.”
He emphasised the need for the military to look into the claims by relating an event in which a soldier is said to have shot and killed a member of his people.
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Rev. Daluk emphasised that his community will uphold law-abiding behaviour without upsetting the law if the situation settles down and goes on in that way.
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