Arrest of Rev. Yoila:Taraba Govt Defends DSS, Says Action Aimed at Preserving Peace
The Taraba State Government has justified the arrest of Global Methodist Church cleric, Rev. Bazel Yoila, stating that the move was necessary to safeguard peace and maintain public order.
The clarification follows widespread reactions and allegations on social media suggesting wrongdoing in the arrest carried out by the Department of State Services (DSS).
In a statement released on Wednesday in Jalingo, the Commissioner for Information and Reorientation, Zainab Jalingo, dismissed the claims as misleading, insisting that the government acted in the best interest of security and responsible civic conduct.
She explained that security agencies intervened proactively to prevent potential unrest, stressing that their actions were guided by the need to ensure public safety.
The government also expressed concern over criticisms from John Wesley, Bishop Emeritus, describing his comments as unfair to both the state and the DSS.
According to the statement, while the bishop condemned the arrest, he failed to address what the government described as inflammatory remarks allegedly made by Rev. Yoila in a viral video.
“In the video, Rev. Bazel Yoila was heard making statements capable of inciting unrest, including warning that the state could descend into chaos if the government continues with the reconciliation process within the United Methodist Church in Nigeria (UMCN),” the statement noted.
It emphasized that such comments pose a serious threat to peace and cannot be ignored by any responsible government.
The state government further clarified that its involvement in the reconciliation efforts within the United Methodist Church in Nigeria was driven by a genuine desire to promote peace and prevent internal disagreements from escalating into broader conflicts.
It maintained that the process is being handled with neutrality and inclusiveness, warning that any attempts to disrupt it through threats or provocative statements would attract legal consequences.
Jalingo disclosed that the matter is already before a competent court and urged all parties to refrain from actions or comments that could interfere with judicial proceedings.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and respecting the independence of the judiciary.
The commissioner also called on media organisations and commentators to practice responsible journalism by verifying information before publication, cautioning that inaccurate or sensational reporting could misinform the public and undermine ongoing peace efforts in the state.
