NAJUWA describes accusation against Jukun of Benue false

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By Joseph Adahnu, Yola

The National Association of Jukun Wanu (NAJUWA), has described accusation of its members of Abinsi in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State of complicity in the killing of Tiv people and aiding so-called killer headers as false.

NAJUWA made reference to a Facebook post by one Orkuma Benjamin, on 28 April, 2025, which he falsely accused members of Abinsi community of such acts, describing it as reckless and inflammatory.

In a statement by NAJUWA Secretary General, Comrade Sule, Musa Atase, the association demanded an immediate retraction and public apology from the author, with the same prominence as the original post.

It also called on security agencies to investigate and apprehend the author for spreading false information capable of inciting violence.

The statement further urged all Jukun people to remain calm and not be provoked into any action that could escalate tensions.

It also noted that should the author fail to retract these libelous claims, the association will pursue all legal and civil remedies to protect the reputation of the Jukun people and hold him accountable for any consequences of his reckless statements.

“We categorically denounce these baseless, malicious, and dangerous allegations designed to incite ethnic hatred and destabilize peaceful coexistence in our region. Such claims are not only factually incorrect but also irresponsibly speculative, as the author lacks any security expertise or authority to make such weighty pronouncements,” the statement stressed.

NAJUWA pointed out that Jukun people of Abinsi are law-abiding citizens who have coexisted peacefully with our Tiv neighbors for generations and reject any attempt to frame them as perpetrators of violence.

It said security matters are the exclusive responsibility of the State and individuals without verified intelligence or official capacity should refrain from spreading unverified claims that could trigger unrest.

It described the accusation a dangerous distraction from the real issues of insecurity plaguing the region noting that rather than pointing fingers, urge all parties to support security agencies in their lawful duties.

“We call on security agencies to act swiftly to prevent further escalation and urge all communities to resist divisive rhetoric and focus on peacebuilding,” NAJUWA averred.