We are not involved in the Plateau murders.

The Defense Headquarters (DHQ) has denied an allegation that military personnel are supporting gunmen who kill people in Mangu Local Government Area of ​​Plateau State.

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Mangu Local Government Area of ​​Plateau State, Timothy Daluk, in a viral video, accused the military of supporting a group that attacked people in the area.

The CAN leader said the military sent people to let the gunmen destroy their properties.

“I am here to report the situation happening in Mangu local government so that everyone understands. What is happening in Mangu at this particular time is that the military is the ones sending our people to the militia to burn their houses.

“At this particular moment, they have expelled all the Christians from the new market, thus letting the Muslims come and burn their houses,” he said in the video.

The cleric made the allegation after around 30 people were killed and property destroyed in a fresh attack in Mangu LGA.

But Acting Director of Defense Information, Brigadier Tukur Gusau, denied the allegation in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, describing it as baseless.

“The video presents unfounded and false accusations, claiming that the military is biased and supports one particular group over others. “We categorically say that these accusations are not true, malicious and without reasonable basis,” he stated.

Gusau said it is deeply disturbing that a religious leader, who is expected to demonstrate high levels of moral judgment and truthfulness, has resorted to spreading falsehoods about the military and its personnel.

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He added: “We wish to reiterate that the military remains neutral, focused, professional and committed to its constitutional role of protecting the lives and property of law-abiding citizens. “We will deal with anyone caught disobeying the law, without bias or prejudice.”

Read the full DHQ statement:

The attention of the Defense Headquarters (DHQ) has been drawn to a malicious video made by the President of the Mangu Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Timothy Daluk. The video has been circulating in the media with the aim of defaming military personnel deployed to address security challenges in the general Mangu area.

The video made unfounded and false accusations, stating that the military is biased and supports one particular group over others. We categorically declare that these accusations are untrue, malicious and without reasonable basis.

It is important to remember that on January 23, 2024, a security breach occurred in the Mangu municipal area, causing the Plateau State Government to declare a 24-hour curfew. Operation SAFE HAVEN troops were reinforced in Mangu to enforce the curfew and control the situation, thus preventing its spread to other areas. The troops have carried out their duties with professionalism and respecting the rules of engagement. They have successfully arrested criminals involved in looting and arson of property, as well as recovered weapons.

It is deeply disturbing that a religious leader, who is expected to demonstrate high levels of moral judgment and truthfulness, has resorted to spreading falsehoods about the military and its personnel. We wish to reiterate that the military remains neutral, focused, professional and committed to its constitutional role of protecting the lives and property of law-abiding citizens. We will deal with anyone who disobeys the law, without bias or prejudice.

We therefore call on the public to support the ongoing military operations aimed at decimating non-state actors operating in these troubled areas of the State. We will not be distracted by unfounded accusations and will remain steadfast in our commitment to restoring peace and security. We strongly warn people involved in making malicious comments against the military to stop such acts. From now on, anyone found spreading falsehoods will face constitutional redress, regardless of their status in society.

We sincerely thank law-abiding citizens for their support and cooperation and assure the public of our unwavering dedication to preserving peace and security in the country. Thank you.