By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
A group under the aegis of Taraba Tiv Youths Development Forum, on Monday called on the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army Jalingo to retract her operation statement that profiled the Tiv people as militia.
The group condemned the Brigade operation statement where several suspect were paraded without tribal identity, while one was single out and identify as Tiv militia.
The Nigerian Tribune reports that, the acting Director, Public Relations of the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army Jalingo, Captain Oni Olubodunde, had on 22/08/2024, issued the Brigade operation press release where it disclosed the arrest of several bandits and a Tiv militia.
Meanwhile, the Taraba Tiv Youths Development Forum in a press release signed by the President Mr Torkuma Luper Moses, while reacting to the statement, call on the Army to retract the statement, as it is bias, unfair and a display of ethnic sentiment.
“We commend the troops’ relentless efforts and determination to rid our region of criminal and rogue elements. However, the bias report and profiling of the Tiv people is unacceptable.
“The report mentioned several criminals arrested without stating their ethnic groups. However, in paragraph four, it specifically refers to “Tiv Militias,” The report also claimed that on the 21 August 2024, troops trailed and arrested one Mela Salem who was believed to be a Tiv Militia kingpin that masterminded the killing of the Chief of Chanchangi at Jankindo Village in Takum LGA on the 19 July 2024.
“These claims are reckless, spontaneous, and dangerous. The bias report deprives the military of its professionalism and operational excellence. We reject the attempt to associate the Tiv nation with criminals by persistently referring to them as “Tiv Militias.
“Tiv sons and daughters have served the Nigerian military with distinction, past and present. Dragging their name into the mud and profiling them is irresponsible and weak. The report mentioned other criminals, such as James Nuhu and Dan-Asabe Angyo, without referring to them as “Jukun Militias.” Why then, the selective use of “Tiv Militias”?, the group queried.
The group also condemned the arrest of Mr Salem Mela, noting that the allegations against him as both the Takum LG Chairman, DPO, and the Commanding Officer of Ada Barracks have severally commended Mr Mela for his peace efforts in the area.
