The Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA) has denied allegations that it operates a militia group or collaborates with the Department of State Services (DSS) and Operation Rainbow to attack Fulani communities in Plateau State.
The association described the allegation as false, saying it was part of what it termed an emerging media campaign aimed at discrediting security agencies involved in operations to contain violence and restore peace in the state.
In a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Friday Derwam, the MDA commended the DSS for what it described as the sincerity and fairness of its personnel during security operations in Plateau.
The association said it was concerned about what it described as changing tactics by groups responsible for violence, alleging that social media was increasingly being used to circulate inflammatory claims against security personnel.
According to the MDA, one of the claims circulating on social media alleged that Mwaghavul youths were working with the DSS and Operation Rainbow personnel to attack Fulani residents in their communities.
The association rejected the allegation, stressing that it neither maintains a militia nor has any arrangement with the DSS, Operation Rainbow or other security agencies to conduct operations against any ethnic group.
The MDA said security agencies operating in affected areas had acted within their constitutional responsibilities and rules of engagement.
It also claimed that recent security operations had helped protect vulnerable communities and restrict the activities of those responsible for attacks.
The association further alleged that the effectiveness of the operations had triggered attempts to undermine security agencies through what it described as “baseless and malicious” claims.
However, the MDA did not provide evidence for its allegation that groups involved in violence were planning media engagements to make accusations against security agencies.
The association urged journalists and media organisations to carefully verify claims relating to the Plateau crisis before publication, stressing the need for the media to contribute to peacebuilding.
It also called on the Federal Government, relevant authorities and Nigerians to support legitimate security efforts aimed at stabilising affected communities and restoring peace across Plateau State.
The statement comes amid continuing security concerns and competing narratives over attacks in parts of Plateau State.
The Mwaghavul are one of Plateau State’s major indigenous ethnic groups and are predominantly concentrated in Mangu Local Government Area, including Mangu, Panyam, Kerang, Pushit and surrounding districts.
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Meta description: The Mwaghavul Development Association has denied militia links and allegations of working with the DSS and Operation Rainbow against Fulani communities in Plateau State.
