The Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation ENDURING PEACE has dismissed as false and misleading an online media report alleging that soldiers deployed to recover corpses of church members killed by suspected Fulani militias in Jos sought permission from the attackers before accessing the scene.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Media Information Officer of the operation, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, the JTF described the publication as “a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and erode trust in security agencies.”
According to the statement, the report, which quoted an unnamed clergyman, claimed that troops told him they could not recover the bodies of victims until they obtained clearance from the alleged attackers. The JTF, however, said the story lacked credibility, noting that it provided no specific date, location, or verifiable identity of the supposed pastor.
“The recent publication insinuating that soldiers begged killers for permission to recover church members’ bodies follows a growing pattern of unsubstantiated claims by certain religious figures aimed at whipping up public sentiment,” the statement read.
Zhakom further noted that similar allegations had previously been made by some religious leaders without evidence, stressing that such comments were capable of undermining public confidence and jeopardizing ongoing peace efforts in the Joint Operations Area (JOA).
“It is worrisome that some religious leaders, instead of promoting peace and community cooperation, appear to be leading a subtle campaign of misinformation against security agencies working tirelessly to maintain order,” he said.
The spokesman reaffirmed the JTF’s commitment to professionalism, neutrality, and the protection of all citizens regardless of ethnic or religious affiliation.
“Operation ENDURING PEACE remains undeterred in its mission. Our troops will continue to respond rapidly and engage genuine community and religious leaders to promote sustainable peace across the Joint Operations Area,” Zhakom added.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
