Members of the Peace Committee in Chanchanji community of Takum Local Government Council of Taraba State are expressing worry over the recent arrest of their chairman, Salem Mela, along with his family.
Reports indicate that Mela, his wife, and their six children were taken into custody in the early hours of Thursday by individuals believed to be from the Department of State Services (DSS).
In a statement released to journalists in Jalingo, the state capital, the committee condemned the arrests and demanded the immediate release of Mela’s wife and children.
The release, signed by the committee’s Secretary, Solomon John Kulenkwagh, also urged the authorities to intervene promptly to secure the release of the chairman and his family.
“We are calling for the prompt release of Mr. Mela’s wife and children, while any questioning of Mr. Mela should be conducted within the bounds of the law.
“The continued detention of a pregnant woman and young children is not only cruel but also violates their basic rights. The family deserves to know their location and well-being, and they should not be subjected to further suffering.
“We urge the relevant authorities to act quickly to address this situation. The Peace Committee of Chanchanji Ward is steadfast in its commitment to promoting peace, and we call on all stakeholders to uphold principles of justice, fairness, and respect for human rights in all endeavors,” the statement emphasized.
“Despite our dedication to fostering peace, we are now witnessing the rights of one of our key members being violated.
“The arrest of Mr. Salem Mela is troubling, but the detention of his pregnant wife and their six children is even more distressing.
“While we acknowledge the role of security agencies in maintaining order, apprehending innocent family members who are not involved in any alleged activities is completely unjustifiable and contradicts principles of justice and human rights,” the committee conveyed.