Rev Timothy Daluk, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, firmly stands by his decision not to retract the accusations against the military amid the crisis. Additionally, he expresses his reluctance to comply with any military invitations extended to him.
The Defence Headquarters had invited Rev Daluk following his recent comments against the military concerning the killings in Mangu. A new wave of violence unfolded when armed assailants launched an attack, resulting in the death of at least 30 victims in Kwahaslalek village in the Mangu LGA of the state.
Furthermore, more than ten individuals lost their lives in Mangu town and nearby areas, accompanied by the burning of several houses on the same day.
Rev Daluk had accused the Nigerian military of overseeing the killings of Christians and the destruction of properties in Mangu LGA.
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.”
In response to the Defence Headquarters’ Thursday announcement of its intention to meet with Rev Daluk regarding his comments, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, stated that the DHQ was in the process of reaching out to the cleric to substantiate his allegations.
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.”
Regarding the allegations, he recounted an incident where a soldier allegedly shot and killed one of his people, emphasizing the need for the military to investigate the matter.
Rev Daluk highlighted that if the situation calms down and continues in that manner, his community will maintain law-abiding behavior without causing any disruption of the law.
(PUNCH)