From Godwin Agia, Jalingo
The Peace Committee of Chanchanji Ward, Takum local government area of Taraba state has asked the Department of State Security Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Army to immediately release its Chairman, Mr, Salem Mela, his wife and six children.
Making this demand in a statement released by Mr. Solomon John Kulenkwagh, Secretary of the Committee, it also condemned the arrest, and asked relevant authorities to wade into the situation.
Kulenkwagh, in the statement alleged that the Chanchanji peace committee chairman was arrested along with his wife and six children on Wednesday around 1:20 am, by a team of DSS and the Nigerian Army.
The statement reads in part: “The peace committee of Chanchanji ward of Takum local government wishes to express her deep concern and outright condemnation over the recent arrest and detention of Mr. Salem Mela, the Chairman of the committee, along with his pregnant wife and six children.
“The unfortunate development happened in the early hours of Wednesday, at around 1:20 AM, by a team comprising men of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Army.
“The Chanchanji Central Youth formed this peace committee in February 2024, with the mission to foster peace and unity among the five Tiv clans under Chanchanji Council Ward. Our efforts, which have been recognized 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 condemnable. The most alarming is the detention of his pregnant wife and 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 breach of peace, 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 on Mela continues in accordance with the law. The ongoing detention of a pregnant woman and children is not only inhumane but also an infringement upon their fundamental rights.
“We call on the relevant authorities to act swiftly in rectifying the situation, while we remain committed to promoting peace and urge all stakeholders to uphold the values of justice, fairness, and respect for human rights in all actions.”
