A community-based organisation, Concerned Chanchanji Youth Group for Peace and Sustainable Development, has cautioned against what it described as attempts to politicise the ongoing security challenges in Chanchanji Ward of Takum Local Government Council of Taraba State.

In a statement signed by its spokesman, Mr. Tersoo Apetimin, on Saturday, the group responded to a publication alleging neglect by the member representing Takum, Donga and Ussa Federal Constituency, Mark Useni, over the situation in the area.

The group acknowledged the hardship residents faced amid the security crisis but described claims of inaction as misleading.

“While we recognise the pain and hardship experienced by our people, it is important to correct misleading narratives and caution against playing politics with human lives,” the statement said.

According to the group, Useni has taken steps to support affected communities, including visiting internally displaced persons (IDPs), engaging security personnel, and providing financial assistance. It added that relief materials were delivered to impacted communities on two separate occasions.

“These interventions were not for publicity but in fulfilment of his responsibility to his constituents,” the statement noted.

Beyond responding to the immediate crisis, the group listed several development projects it attributed to the lawmaker in Chanchanji Ward.

The group further disclosed that plans were at an advanced stage for the construction of a police station in Chanchanji, with the intention of upgrading it to a divisional police station.

It stressed that security challenges are complex and require collaboration among federal, state and security authorities, warning against attributing the crisis to a single individual.

“The humanitarian situation in Chanchanji demands unity, coordinated advocacy and practical solutions, not divisive political attacks,” the statement added.

The group urged stakeholders to prioritise peace-building efforts, strengthen security presence in the area and provide sustained support for displaced families.