Hon. Mark Bako Useni,
A youth group in Taraba State has dismissed allegations of negligence against the lawmaker representing Takum, Ussa and Donga Federal Constituency, Hon. Mark Bako Useni, over recent killings in Chanchanji Ward, Takum Local Government Area.
The group, known as the Concern Chanchanji Youths Group for Peace and Sustainable Development, made its position known in a press statement issued on Saturday in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.
The statement, signed by the group’s spokesperson, Tersoo Apetimin, said the attention of members had been drawn to a publication accusing the lawmaker of neglecting his constituents amid the security crisis in Chanchanji Ward.
“While we acknowledge the pain and hardship faced by our people, it is important to correct misleading narratives and caution against playing politics with human lives,” the statement read.
The group stressed that Useni had remained actively involved in addressing the crisis.
“Hon. Mark Useni is not the only representative of the people in the area, but he has not folded his arms in the face of crisis. He has visited internally displaced persons (IDPs), engaged security personnel, and provided financial support. Relief materials were sent on two separate occasions to affected communities. These interventions were not for publicity, but were carried out in fulfilment of his responsibility to his constituents,” it said.
According to the group, the lawmaker has also implemented several development projects in Chanchanji Ward. These include the construction of classroom blocks in Shinku, Adamgbe and Tor-Tse, as well as the provision of a solar-powered borehole in Uko.
It added that other projects include the installation of solar street lights at the Chanchanji Yam Market to enhance security and commercial activities, and the construction of a block of classrooms at GDSS Kufai Amadu.
The statement further revealed that plans are at an advanced stage for the construction of a police station in Chanchanji, which is expected to be upgraded to a divisional headquarters.
“These projects are verifiable and continue to benefit the people. Security crises are complex and require coordinated efforts among federal, state, and security authorities. It is therefore inaccurate to personalise a broader security challenge as the failure of one individual,” the group noted.
It also called for unity and cooperation in addressing the humanitarian situation in the area..
“The humanitarian situation in Chanchanji demands unity, coordinated advocacy, and practical solutions, not divisive political attacks.
“Those who are bent on fighting Hon. Mark Useni should not use the suffering of displaced families as a political tool. The lives and safety of our people must remain above partisan interests,” the statement said.
The group urged stakeholders at all levels to work together to restore peace and stability in the community.
“At this critical time, we call on all stakeholders to work collectively to restore peace, strengthen security presence, and provide sustainable support for displaced persons,” Apetimin stated.
