People from the Peace Committee in Chanchanji community, which is in Takum Local Government Council of Taraba State, are very worried. Their leader, Salem Mela, and his family have been taken by the authorities.
On Thursday morning, Mr. Mela, his wife, and their six children were taken away. The people who took them are believed to be from the Department of State Services (DSS).
The Peace Committee did not like this at all. They told journalists in Jalingo, the state capital, that Mr. Mela’s wife and children should be let go right away.
In a message signed by the committee’s Secretary, Solomon John Kulenkwagh, they asked the authorities to make sure Mr. Mela and his family are freed as soon as possible.
“We want Mr. Mela’s wife and children to be released now, even if Mr. Mela still needs to be questioned according to the law.
“Keeping a pregnant woman and young children locked up is very wrong and against their basic rights. The family needs to know where they are and if they are okay. They should not suffer like this.
“We ask the authorities to fix this quickly. The Peace Committee of Chanchanji Ward is all about promoting peace, and we hope everyone can act with justice, fairness, and respect for human rights,” their message said.
“Even though we always work for peace, now we see one of our important members’ rights being ignored.
“Mr. Salem Mela’s arrest is worrying, but it is even worse that his pregnant wife and their six children are also taken.
“We know that security is important, but taking innocent family members who are not involved in any wrong activities is not right and goes against justice and human rights,” the committee added.