Youths Condemn Attempt To Link Kofai District Head To UMC/GMC Crisis

 

The Wablau Youth Development Association, Kofai in Ardo Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State has condemned attempts by UMC/GMC sympathisers to link the District Head of Kofai, Chief Prince Bairik Augustine Njenmang to the recent crisis involving members of the two factions in one of the Churches ordered by the Taraba State Government to be closed.

 

 

 

The Youth group's position is contained in a Press Statement signed by the Chairman of the Association, Martin Joseph Yani and the Secretary, Ayaukani Pius Jauro, a copy of which was made available to Echo Express in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.

 

Titled "Refuting Malicious Allegations and Setting the Record Straight", the Association stressed that ordinarily, it would not dignify the baseless fabrications circulating on social media with a response.

 

" However, in an era where falsehood spreads faster than truth, and silence is often misconstrued as guilt, we find it necessary to set the record straight".

 

"The Wablau Youth Development Association is deeply appalled by the malicious and unfounded allegations being peddled by certain sympathizers of the GMCN/UMCN crisis. These false claims suggest that members of our community were involved in an attack on worshippers at a church in Kofai. Even more distressing is the reckless and deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of our respected District Chief, Prince Bairik Augustine Njenmang, by falsely accusing him of mobilizing thugs to disrupt a church service.

 

"Let it be unequivocally stated: these allegations are entirely false—the product of either ignorance or deliberate intent to incite discord.

 

"Our independent findings confirm that the District Chief was present at the scene only in a mediatory capacity, seeking to de-escalate tensions between the two factions, GMCN and UMCN. His intervention became necessary after the GMCN willfully defied a clear directive from the government suspending all church activities pending investigation. This directive was reiterated during a formal meeting with the District Head, and GMCN initially agreed to comply, only to brazenly violate the agreement by proceeding with a service.

 

"This act of defiance compelled the presence of security operatives tasked with restoring law and order.

 

"The District Chief's role throughout was that of a peacemaker and custodian of lawful order. The notion that he mobilized thugs is not only false and irresponsible, but also defies logic and his well-known track record of peacebuilding.

 

"Although the GMCN has not officially leveled accusations against our people, the source and tone of these defamatory narratives clearly point to individuals sympathetic to their faction. This coordinated smear campaign is an affront not only to our community but also to the broader cause of peace and justice.

 

"We unequivocally condemn the circulation of such dangerous misinformation. This is a direct attack on our dignity, our leadership, and the fragile peace we are striving to maintain.

 

"We wish to sound a final warning: any further attempts to defame our leaders or misrepresent the role of our people in this matter will be met with firm legal and civil action. We will not allow our name to be dragged through the mud by agents of disunity.

 

The Press Statement urged the public and all peace-loving citizens to disregard the rumours and remain vigilant against those who thrive on division and deceit.

 

"Let us continue to work together for peace, truth, and communal harmony"