‘Whereabouts Of Pregnant Mother, Husband, 6 Children Picked By Security Unknown’

There is tension in Chanchanji community in Takum local government area of Taraba State over the whereabouts of the chairman of Chanchanji Peace Committee, Mr Salem Mela, his pregnant wife and their six children who were picked up by security men believed to be operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Army have remained unknown to their relatives.

They were picked up in the early hours of Wednesday from their residence along Takum – Wukari Road.

Members of Peace Committee of Chanchanji ward have therefore called on the security agents responsible for the arrest to release the pregnant wife and her children while they continue with the interrogation of Mela.

The call was contained in a press statement signed by the secretary of the Chanchanji Central Youth, John Kulenkwagh, made available to journalists in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.

The statement further revealed that the peace committee was formed in February this year with a mission to foster peace and unity among the five Tiv clans under Chanchanji council ward.

“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.

“We call on the relevant authorities to act swiftly to rectify the situation. The Peace Committee of Chanchanji ward remains committed to its mission of promoting peace and we urge all stakeholders to uphold the values of justice, fairness and respect for human rights in all actions,” the statement read.