The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Plateau State Chapter, has expressed concern on Thursday over the reported abduction of their party chairman Hon. Dung Tari, alleging the involvement of the military in his abduction.
Tari, who chairs the PDP Mart in the Jos South Local Government Area of the state, was allegedly taken by unidentified military personnel around 1 p.m. three weeks ago, according to State Chairman Hon. Chris Hassan during a press conference.
Hassan stated that after a meeting at the party office, Tari was purportedly surrounded and seized at a Bukuru gas station by armed men thought to be soldiers.
“After the meeting at the LGA party office in Bukuru, Tari picked up his niece on his way to attend to a family matter.
“Thereafter, he stopped at a Total Filling Station Bukuru where he parked his vehicle to respond to phone calls. Suddenly, two Toyota Hilux pick-up trucks in military colours and number plates with men in Nigerian military uniform surrounded him and bundled him into one of the Toyota Hilux vehicles while one of the soldiers forced his niece out of his private car and proceeded to an unknown destination.” He said.
He stated that the incident happened on September 23, 2023, adding that, “Until this time of the press conference, we have not heard from him or his abductors nor his family is informed of his whereabouts and the reason for his abduction.
Hassan voiced concern over the continued lack of knowledge on Tari’s condition and location, stating that there has been no contact with him or his captors.
Hassan urged the National security adviser (NSA), the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Inspector General of Police to intervene and order Tari’s immediate release, promising cooperation on their party’s part by providing sureties upon request. The PDP also notes the rising tension and potential risk to peace in the state brought about by Tari’s abduction.
However, the Military Taskforce Operation Safe Haven, responsible for maintaining peace in Plateau State, was quick to dismiss these accusations. Spokesperson Capt. Oya James denied their personnel’s involvement in the incident, challenging the PDP to provide substantial evidence to back up their allegations.
“They said those who carried out the abduction used military vehicles but if you know the time we are in, we have have been parading suspects using vehicles, camouflage and other military items to commit crime.
“But if they claimed that they have an eye witness, let the person come forward and bring pictures or proof of any kind involving our troops, then we can trace the vehicle because all our military vehicles have numbers.” he said.
