By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
The Concerned Chanchanji Youth for Peace has kicked against a media publication accusing the member representing Takum, Donga and Ussa Federal Constituency, Hon. Mark Useni, of neglecting displaced persons in Chanchanji Ward of Taraba State.
The group also warned against further attempts to politicise the ongoing killings and displacement of Tiv people in the area.
In a press statement signed by its spokesperson, Tersoo Apetimin, the group stated that the federal lawmaker has severally visited the displaced persons and has been working hard to ensure peace in the area.
It described the publication as “misleading narratives,” cautioned against playing politics with human lives, and urged those involved to be properly guided.
“We are totally against the media publication alleging neglect by the member representing Takum, Donga and Ussa Federal Constituency, Hon. Mark Useni, over the unfortunate security situation in Chanchanji Ward.
“While we acknowledge the pain and hardship faced by our people, it is important to correct the misleading narratives and caution against playing politics with human lives. Hon. Mark Useni is not the only representative of the people in the area, but he has not folded his arms in the face of the crisis,” the statement said.
The group informed that the lawmaker has visited internally displaced persons (IDPs) and engaged security personnel to ensure peace in the area.
“In the face of the ongoing killings of Tiv people in Chanchanji Ward, Hon. Mark Useni has visited internally displaced persons (IDPs), engaged security personnel to ensure peace, and provided financial support.
“Relief materials were sent on two separate occasions to affected communities. These interventions were not for publicity but were carried out in fulfilment of his responsibility to constituents,” the group continued.
The peace group further disclosed that the House of Representatives member has executed developmental projects in Chanchanji Ward, proving beyond sentiment that he stands with the people.
“Beyond the current security challenges, the lawmaker has executed developmental projects in Chanchanji Ward, including:
Construction of a classroom block in Shinku
Construction of a classroom block in Adamgbe
Construction of a classroom block in Tor-Tse
Provision of a solar-powered borehole in Uko
Installation of solar streetlights at the Chanchanji Yam Market, which are currently functional and improving security and commercial activities.
Construction of a block of classrooms at GDSS Kufai Amadu, “In addition, plans are at an advanced stage for the construction of a police station in Chanchanji to enable its upgrade to a divisional police station. These projects are verifiable and continue to benefit the people,” the statement added.
It further explained that security crises are complex and require coordinated efforts among federal, state, and security authorities.
“Security crises are complex and require coordinated efforts among federal, state, and security authorities. It is therefore inaccurate to personalise a broader security challenge as the failure of one individual.
“The humanitarian situation in Chanchanji demands unity, coordinated advocacy, and practical solutions—not divisive political attacks.
“Those who are bent on fighting Hon. Mark Useni should not use the suffering of displaced families as a political tool. The lives and safety of our people must remain above partisan interests,” the group warned.
The group called on all stakeholders to work collectively to restore peace, strengthen security presence, and provide sustainable support for displaced persons.
