Taraba Renaissance Group(TRG) has rejected the recent report of Amnesty International, accusing Amnesty International of stoking up religious tensions in Northern Nigeria.
It would be recalled that Amnesty International had on Thursday last week revealed that since President Bola Tinubu assumed office two years ago, more than 10,217 people have been killed in attacks by armed groups across several Northern states, with Benue recording the highest death toll of 6,896 fatalities, followed by Plateau State with at least 2,630 deaths.
Amnesty International also lamented that the crisis has escalated despite promises from the present government to improve security, safeguard lives and property of Nigerians.
A statement on Monday issued by Bridget Grace Adamu, Chairperson of Taraba Renaissance Group, accused Amnesty International of peddling “a false narrative” of widespread conflict between Muslims and Christians in the North, particularly in States such as Taraba, Kaduna, Benue, and Plateau.
Adamu strongly condemned the latest report released by Amnesty International, describing it as “a misleading and dangerous fabrication,” aimed at sowing religious discord and destabilising Northern Nigeria.
The group claimed that the report’s findings were exaggerated, one-sided, and tailored to a predetermined agenda, suggesting a deliberate effort to portray Northern Nigeria as a zone of unending religious conflict.
She said: “The Taraba Renaissance Group categorically rejects the latest report released by Amnesty International, which seeks to portray a false narrative of conflict between Northern Nigerian Muslims and Christians.
“This report is not only misleading but also represents a shameful fabrication of facts aimed at exacerbating tensions among already fragile communities.
“Amnesty International has a well-documented history of producing reports that, while intended to highlight human rights abuses, often fall short of accuracy and impartiality.
“The data supplied in their latest publication is grossly exaggerated and appears to be tailored to fit a predetermined agenda that serves to pit one religious group against another.
“Such actions are not only irresponsible but also dangerous, as they threaten the fragile peace that exists in regions such as Kaduna, Taraba, Benue, and Plateau States.
“It is disheartening to witness an organisation, which claims to advocate for human rights, engaging in tactics that sow discord and mistrust among communities.
“The insinuation that Muslims and Christians in Northern Nigeria are at each other’s throats is not only inaccurate but plays directly into the hands of those who wish to see the region destabilised.
“This report serves the long-standing international destabilisation agenda that has been actively supported by local collaborators, including disgruntled politicians who thrive on division and chaos.
“The motives behind such a report are clear. By inflaming ethnic and religious tensions, Amnesty International aims to diminish the viability of the North, rendering it incapable of standing on its own two feet and competing favorably with other parts of the country.
“This is a calculated strategy designed to weaken the region economically, socially, and politically. We must not allow ourselves to be pawns in this dangerous game.
“As a group committed to the progress and unity of Taraba and the broader Northern region, we call upon all peace-loving citizens to see through this divisive narrative.
“We urge the public to question the authenticity of the data presented by Amnesty International and to recognise the broader implications of such reports.
“Instead of fostering division, we should be working towards unity, understanding, and collaboration among all ethnic and religious groups in Northern Nigeria.”
The TRG urged Nigerians, especially those in the affected states, to reject divisive narratives and instead focus on peace-building and intercommunal cooperation.
The group added, “We also call upon the Nigerian government to take a stand against the dissemination of misleading information that threatens our national cohesion.
“It is imperative that we protect our communities from external influences that seek to exploit our differences for their own gain.
“The Taraba Renaissance Group is committed to promoting peace, unity, and development in our region.
“We will not be swayed by external forces that aim to destabilise our communities.”
