Taraba Community Demands Release Of Family Allegedly Arrested By DSS, Army

The Chanchanji community in Takum local government area of Taraba State has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigerian Army to release the Chairman of Chanchanji Peace Committee, Mr. Salem Mela, his pregnant wife and their six children.

The community also expressed concern over the whereabouts of Mela, his pregnant wife and their six children who have not been in touch with their family since their arrests.

The whereabouts of these individuals alleged to have been picked by uniformed personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army remain unknown to their relatives.

Mela was reportedly picked in the early hours of Wednesday at his residence along Takum Wukari Road alongside his pregnant wife and their six children.

Members of the Committee in Chanchanji Ward therefore called on the security agents responsible for the arrests to release the pregnant wife and the children while they continue with the interrogation of Mela.

The call is contained in a statement signed by the Secretary of the Chanchanji Central Youth, John Kulenkwagh, which was made available to journalists in Jalingo, the Taraba State’s capital.

The statement stated that the committee was formed in February 2024 with a mission to foster peace and unity among the five Tiv clans under Chanchanji Council Ward of Takum local government area.

“Our efforts, which have been recognised and approved by local authorities, including the local government chairman, the Divisional Police Officer of Takum, and the Commanding Officer of the 93 Battalion, Ada Barracks, have contributed to significant improvements in the security of our area.

“However, despite our unwavering commitment to promoting peace, we are now witnessing the violation of the rights of one of our key members.

“The arrest of Mr. Salem Mela is concerning, but even more alarming is the detention of his pregnant wife and their six children. While we understand the role of security agencies in maintaining law and order, the arrest of innocent family members who have no involvement in any alleged activities is completely unjustifiable and goes against the principles of justice and human rights.

“We demand the immediate release of Mr. Mela’s wife and children, while any interrogation of Mr. Mela continues in accordance with the law. The ongoing detention of a pregnant woman and young children is not only inhumane but also an infringement upon their fundamental rights. The family deserves to be informed of their whereabouts and well-being, and they should not be subjected to further hardship,” the statement said.

It further called on the relevant authorities to act swiftly in rectifying this situation while expressing the commitment of the Peace Committee to its mission of promoting peace.

The committee also urged all stakeholders to uphold the values of justice, fairness, and respect for human rights in all their actions.