14/01/2026
WHY THE DISCOVERY OF JOHN GATA’S SECRET ARMOURY IS NOT TRENDING
Yesterday, the gallant efforts of the Nigerian Army led to the discovery of a large cache of ammunition in Taraba State. The armoury, found in Ahmadu Village, Takum Local Government Area—a predominantly Christian enclave—was reportedly linked to a Christian militia leader, John Gata.
The armoury contained 13 AK-47 rifles, 38 magazines, 690 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and four hand grenades. Despite the gravity of this discovery, the disturbing development has failed to gain significant public or media attention for the following reasons:
1. The individual linked to the armoury is neither Fulani nor Muslim, making the story less appealing to sections of the media.
2. The armoury was discovered in a Christian enclave, Ahmadu Village Takum LGA, Southern Taraba, not in states like Zamfara or Sokoto, where such news would more readily attract sensational coverage.
3. Purveyors of divisive narratives have shown little interest, as the incident does not fit their usual ethno-religious framing.
4. Self-styled media activists have largely ignored the story because it is not considered “saleable” to ethno-religious bigots, given that the suspect is a Christian named John Gata rather than a Fulani or Muslim.
5. Neither prominent pastors nor the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) chapter in Taraba have spoken out, possibly because the individual involved is one of their own, rather than the Fulani or Muslim groups often blamed in similar situations.
A word of advice:
Selective outrage weakens the fight against insecurity. Criminality has no religion or ethnicity, and silence in the face of wrongdoing—simply because the suspect belongs to one’s group—only deepens mistrust and fuels division. If genuine peace and justice are the goals, then condemnation must be consistent, principled, and impartial. Speak out against crime wherever it occurs, regardless of who is involved, and allow truth—not bia
