Confusion Over Arrest Of Suspected Killer Of Chief Of Chanchanji

Troops of the 6 Brigade/Sector 3 of Operation WHIRL STROKE, in collaboration with other security agencies said they have arrested a Tiv militia kingpin, Mela Selim linked to the killing of a traditional ruler and his son in Chanchanji Ward in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.

However the Peace Committee of Chanchanji Ward are calling  on the Department of State Security Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army to immediately release Mr. Salem Mela, the committee chairman, along with his wife and six children.

 

The Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Brigade, Captain Olubodunde Oni in a statement stated that the troops arrested multiple criminals and terrorists, including a Tiv militia kingpin, Mela Selim, who is believed to have masterminded the killing of the traditional ruler of Chanchangi and his son at Jankindo village in the Takum Local Government Area of the state.

 

The statement reads, "on August 21, 2024, troops tracked down and arrested Mela Selim, a Tiv militia kingpin believed to have masterminded the killing of the Chief of Chanchangi at Jankindo Village in Takum LGA on July 19, 2024.

Oni further explained that Selim is currently being interrogated, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the militia group.

In a statement released by Mr. Solomon John Kulenkwagh, Secretary of the Committee, the arrest was condemned, and relevant authorities were urged to intervene.

 

Mr. Kulenkwagh alleged that Mr. Mela, his wife, and their six children were arrested by a joint team of DSS and Nigerian Army personnel on Wednesday around 1:20 a.m.

 "The Peace Committee of Chanchanji Ward, Takum Local Government, wishes to express its 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.

This unfortunate incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, around 1:20 a.m., carried out by a team comprising personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian 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. What is 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.