Tiv are not Militias nor have any militia group – TTYDF writes Ibrahim Angyu
Daniel Mtindiga, Jalingo
Tiv Youths under the umbrella body of Taraba Tiv Youths Development and Progressive Forum (TTYDPF) Worldwide has refuted the ethnic profiling of the Tiv people as Militias by Ibrahim Audu Angyu, SA Media and Publicity to Hon. Dauda Samaila Agbu,the Wukari Local Government Chairman stating that, Tiv are not Militias and do not have any militia group of whatever form.
The group equally denied the involvement of the Tiv people in the recent criminal Attack on the KYK Team which claimed the life of Mr. Urengang.
In a Press Release signed by President of the Forum, Comr. Torkuma Luper Moses and made available to Journalists in Jalingo, the Taraba State Capital by the Forum’s General Secretary, Comr. Uko moses Wuaga, the Forum noted that the act of constantly attributing criminal activities within Wukari Local Government Area to the Tiv ethnic group without proper investigation was not only misleading, derogatory and baseless but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and further, fuels ethnic tensions.
“We take great exception to the baseless and inflammatory claim by Ibrahim Audu Angyu, SA on Media and Publicity to the Executive Chairman of Wukari Local Government Council, alleging that Tiv militia struck again at Wana Village, Chonku Ward, Wukari Local Government Area.
“In the absence of credible evidence, we categorically deny any involvement of the Tiv people in the alleged attack. We also firmly state that the Tiv do not have a militia group whatsoever. We call on the authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
“This unsubstantiated allegation, attributing criminal acts within Wukari Local Government Council to the Tiv ethnic group, is not only misleading but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and fuels ethnic tensions.
“It is on record that several criminal groups have been apprehended around Wukari and Ibi Local Government Areas, consisting of individuals from various ethnic backgrounds, including the Wapan. However, we have not seen reports profiling their entire ethnic groups as criminals—except in the case of the Tiv. We view this as a deliberate attempt to blackmail the Tiv people of Wukari, portraying them as perpetrators of evil, whereas they are also victims of such crimes.
“What is even more disheartening is that such stereotyped reports are emanating from the aide of the Local Government Council Chairman, further confirming our concerns about ethnic bias and discrimination, “the statement reads in parts.
However, the Forum urged the public to be cautious of defamatory/sensational reports capable of causing chaos and hostilities while emphasizing that, there was need to prioritize responsible communication that promotes peace, unity and cooperation.
“We urge the public to be cautious of sensationalized reporting and to seek verifiable evidence before accepting such claims. The spread of misinformation can have devastating consequences, including the escalation of violence and the erosion of trust among communities.
“We must prioritize responsible communication and avoid perpetuating harmful narratives that could worsen conflicts. Let us work together to promote understanding, peace, and development in our region, “TTYDPF.
