MBF Sounds Alarm Over DSS Harassment of Middle Belt Politician
By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has raised the alarm over alleged harassment of Hon. Terry Tsala, a prominent Middle Belt politician, by Mr. Hassan Abdullahi, the new Director of the Directorate of State Services (DSS) in Nasarawa State.
Hon. Tsala, who is contesting to represent Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, reportedly sought to acquire a locally made hunting gun from a licensed maker to protect himself amidst rising insecurity in the region.
According to MBF, Mr. Abdullahi ordered Tsala’s arrest and falsely accused him of trying to acquire five hunting rifles. Despite denying the allegations, Tsala is said to be repeatedly summoned to the DSS office in Lafia and pressured to admit to something he insists is untrue.
MBF described the actions as a deliberate attempt to intimidate citizens and prevent them from defending themselves. “Nasarawa State has become a base for attacks on neighboring Middle Belt states, yet those meant to protect our people are harassing them,” the Forum said.
The statement also criticized the disconnect between these actions and the position of the DSS Director-General, who recently called on communities to serve as the first line of defense against terrorists. MBF warned that continued harassment could escalate an otherwise harmless act of self-defense into a communal crisis.
Highlighting the broader insecurity in the Middle Belt, MBF called on the Nigerian government to establish a proper system for citizens to access lawful means of self-protection. The Forum also expressed readiness to cooperate with the United States, which has shown interest in the ongoing killings of ethnic nationalities in the region.
The MBF concluded with a stern warning: “If anything happens to Hon. Terry Tsala, we will hold those responsible fully accountable.”
