The Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA) has denied allegations of owning or operating a militia group, or collaborating with the Department of State Services (DSS) to attack Fulani communities in Plateau State. In a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Friday Derwam, the MDA described the allegations as false and part of a media campaign to discredit security agencies working to contain violence and restore peace in the state.
The MDA commended the DSS for their sincerity and fair-mindedness in approaching security operations in Plateau State. The association expressed concern over changing tactics by groups responsible for violence, including the use of social media to circulate inflammatory claims against security personnel. One such narrative alleged that Mwaghavul youths were working with the DSS and Operation Rainbow to attack Fulani residents.
The MDA rejected the allegations, stating that it neither maintains a militia nor has any arrangement with the DSS or other security organisations to conduct operations against any ethnic community. The association stressed that security agencies operating in the affected areas had acted in accordance with their constitutional responsibilities and rules of engagement.
According to the MDA, the approach adopted by security personnel had helped protect vulnerable communities and restrict the activities of those responsible for attacks. The association alleged that the effectiveness of recent security operations had prompted attempts to undermine the agencies through the fabrication of baseless and malicious lies.
The MDA claimed that those behind the campaign were seeking to generate national sympathy and induce the Federal Government to take decisions based on misleading information. The association urged journalists and media organisations to carefully verify allegations emanating from the Plateau conflict before publication, arguing that the media should contribute to peacebuilding rather than become an unwitting vehicle for inflammatory narratives.
The MDA drew the attention of the media to be partners in the quest for lasting peace in Plateau State and not pencils in the hands of terrorists. The association called on the Federal Government, relevant authorities, and Nigerians to support legitimate efforts by security agencies to stabilise affected communities and restore peace across Plateau State.
The MDA’s statement comes against the background of persistent security concerns and competing narratives surrounding attacks in parts of Plateau. The association’s allegations against unnamed groups remain its claims, while its denial addresses accusations it says are being circulated against Mwaghavul youths and security agencies.
Key points
- The MDA denies allegations of owning a militia group and collaborating with the DSS to attack Fulani communities.
- The association commends the DSS for their sincerity and fair-mindedness in approaching security operations in Plateau State.
- The MDA urges the media to verify allegations before publication to contribute to peacebuilding.
