The Wablau Youth Development Association in Taraba State has strongly denied allegations circulating on social media that linked their members and District Chief Prince Bairik Augustine Njenmang to an alleged attack on worshippers at a church in the Kofai area of Jalingo metropolis.
In a statement jointly signed by the association's chairman, Martin Joseph Yani, and secretary, Ayaukani Pius Jauro, on Friday, the youth group described the allegations as "malicious and unfounded," suggesting they were deliberately crafted to tarnish the district chief's reputation and disrupt peace in the area.
"These allegations are entirely false, the product of either ignorance or deliberate intent to incite discord," the statement emphasized.
Religious Factions at the Center of Controversy
The dispute stems from an ongoing conflict between two religious groups: the United Methodist Church in Nigeria (UMCN) and the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria (GMCN). According to the youth association, the district chief was present at the scene not as an instigator but as a mediator working to calm tensions.
The association explained that one of the churches had reportedly violated a government directive that suspended all church activities pending an investigation into the dispute. The district chief's presence was to help maintain order and peace.
"The District Chief's role throughout was that of a peacemaker and custodian of lawful order. The notion that he mobilised thugs is not only false and irresponsible but also defies logic and his well-known track record of peacebuilding," the group stated.
Source of Allegations
While the GMCN has not formally accused the Wablau community or its leadership of any wrongdoing, the youth association pointed to online narratives and individuals aligned with the faction as the likely sources of what they termed a "coordinated smear campaign."
The association warned that any future defamation would be met with legal action, stating firmly: "We will not allow our name to be dragged through the mud by agents of disunity."
The youth group has called on the public to disregard the rumors and remain focused on preserving peace and community harmony in the area.
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