The Nigerian Army, on Tuesday, debunked claims that soldiers deployed to evacuate corpses of church members killed by suspected Fulani militias in Jos sought permission from the attackers before accessing the scene.
A pastor, in a video shared on Facebook on Monday, claimed that militants had attacked the Dong community in Jos North Local Government Area of the state and killed several people, including a woman and her child on a condolence visit.
The pastor said, “When they killed our members in Dong, there was a woman and her child who came for a condolence visit.
“They were attacked and killed by Fulani militants. There was also one of our young men who had earlier been killed by the same militants.
“We were able to contact soldiers and when they came, there was a Fulani house close by but we were surprised that as we were going to remove the corpses, the soldiers said they wanted to call and talk to the Fulani people to take permission before they could move in and evacuate the dead bodies.
“In my presence, they called the Fulani people and they responded that they gave the soldiers 10 minutes to go in and take the corpses. They gave the soldiers only 10 minutes. We were at the burial ground waiting for the corpses.
“Even when they got to the place, the soldiers were telling our people to be fast as they had only 10 minutes to evacuate the bodies.
“When they managed to bring the corpses, the soldiers left immediately. We did not know whether they left us to be killed by the attackers or what? But by the grace of God, we did the burial and went back to our various homes.”
In response, the Media Information Officer Joint Tax Force-Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP) Major Samson Zhakom, describe the claims as a growing pattern of “unsubstantiated claims” to whip sentiments in the Joint Operations Area (JOA).
Zhakom said, a close examination of the current report reveals several inconsistencies such as no specific date, location or verifiable identity of the said pastor, suggesting a deliberate attempt to misinform the public.
He said, “The anonymity of the source and the sensational nature of the claim point to a coordinated narrative designed to erode public trust in security agencies.
“It is even more worrisome that some religious leaders, instead of promoting peace and community cooperation, appear to be leading a subtle campaign of misinformation against the security agencies working tirelessly to maintain order.
“This trend not only undermines public confidence but also jeopardises ongoing peace-building efforts.”
Speaking further, Zhakom cited an earlier claim by one Reverend (Rev) Dachomo about potential Fulani terrorist attacks in the Dorowa area of Barkin Ladi LGA, Plateau State.
Dachomo had based his claims on an insider source who revealed a mass mobilisation through Nyerwai and asserts that recent deaths in the community were linked.
The Reverend’s accusations extend to claims of a Fulani leader influencing security forces to shield Fulani suspects from arrest.
According to the Army, Dachomo’s statements culminate in a call to arms for local youths to defend themselves and a plea for prayer, painting a dire picture of the security situation in the region.
The Army said, the Reverend’s video emerged in the wake of heightened tension following the killing of a herder and 36 cows as well as the rustling of 49 others in the area.
Quoting the Army, such tension, “creates a volatile environment easily exploited by misinformation and invoking the name of the Fulani leader”.
“Rev Dachomo’s accusation is baseless and aimed at causing unnecessary tension.
“The JTF OPEP condemns the misleading narratives and hereby warns the propagator to desist from causing panic and discord among the peace-loving people of the state to abstain from such acts or face the full wrath of the law” Major Zhakom said.
He further noted that troops of JTF OPEP deployed within Sector 4 Areas of Responsibility (AOR) will continue to upscale their operational activities around Nyerwai and Dorowa to reassure residents of their safety.
It further urged stakeholders, traditional leaders, religious leaders and civil society to avoid inflammatory rhetoric statements, instead rally around our common goal of a peaceful, united, and secure Plateau.
“Notwithstanding this, Operation ENDURING PEACE remains undeterred, maintaining its professional commitment to impartiality, rapid response and the protection of all citizens irrespective of ethnic or religious identity, while continuing to engage genuine community and religious leaders to promote sustainable peace across the JOA” Major Zhakom concluded.
