In a defiant stance, Reverend Timothy Daluk, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Mangu Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, has refused an invitation from the Defence Headquarters (DHQ). The clergyman, who recently accused the Nigerian military of complicity in the killing of Christians and destruction of properties during the recent crisis in the region, asserted that he will not withdraw his allegations.
The invitation from the DHQ was prompted by a viral video where Rev Daluk narrated the situation in Mangu, alleging that military troops forced Christians to leave and permitted militia to burn their homes. In response, the DHQ accused him of spreading falsehood and cautioned him to cease such actions immediately.
However, Rev Daluk, undeterred, affirmed his decision not to withdraw the allegations. Addressing journalists, he stated, “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.”
Furthermore, Rev Daluk recounted a disturbing incident, alleging, “Before my eyes, a soldier shot dead one of my people. I called others and reported them. They said the soldier was a fake troop. Whether fake or what, they (the soldiers) are the ones responsible for differentiating.” The clergyman’s firm stand reflects the gravity of the allegations and the tension surrounding the recent events in Mangu LGA.