Billiri Crisis: Gombe inaugurates inquiry into killings, burning of mosque, others
Chima Azubuike, Gombe
Two months after the Billiri crisis that resulted in the burning of mosque and other property in Billiri Local Government Area.
Gombe State Government on Monday, inaugurated a 11 man commission of inquiry led by Justice Mahmoud Gurama (retd.), to investigate the real causes of the mayhem, where five (5) lives and property worth millions were destroyed.
Inaugurating the Inquiry, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, issued the team a five term of reference, urging them to deliver within the next 60 days.
Recall that the infamous Billiri Protest began on February 17th, 2021 but became violent on 19th of the same month; due to residents perception that the government was interested in the then candidate (now confirmed Mai) Malam Sanusi Danladi, who polled 2, away from Musa Maiyamba who garnered 5.
According to him the commission is expected; To find out the remote and immediate causes of the violent protests. To identify person or group of persons who sponsored, procured, instigated, or encouraged the violent protests and to recommend sanctions or remedial measures against such person or group of persons. To receive and investigate complaints from victims or the families of victims and members of the public over the violent protests. To make appropriate recommendations to Government on measures and means of preventing the future occurrence of violent protests and how to make perpetrators account for their acts; and
To make such other or further recommendations as the Commission may deem fit within the ambit of the Law.
He said, “You may recall that following the death of His Royal Highness, the Mai Tangle, Abdu Buba Maisheru II; the State Government directed the Tangale Traditional Council Kingmakers to commence the selection process of his successor.
“However, before the government could finalize and make a pronouncement on the new Mai Tangle, some unpatriotic elements began an Endsars-type protest (codenamed #LockdownBilliri) by blocking the Gombe-Yola federal highway and all other entry points to Billiri Local Government. Thereafter, some unscrupulous and criminal elements hijacked the protest and turned it to a violent one with the support of unpatriotic purveyors of fake news via the social media.
“The violent protests resulted in the deaths of innocent persons, damage and destruction of valuable property including residential houses, business premises and mosques, thereby causing the displacement of families and commercial activities. Government had to intervene in order to stall the violence and restore law and order by imposing a curfew, in addition to holding wide consultations with relevant stakeholders and sensitizing the citizenry on the need to live in peace and harmony.”
Yahaya dispelled insinuations that the violence may have been caused by the choice of monarch, also known as Mai Tangle, stressing that fake news is the cause.
“On the face of it, some people may be tempted to conclude that the crisis emanated over the choice of a new Mai Tangle even though the protests erupted even before government took a decision on who to appoint. Some may be tempted to give the crisis a religious or political coloration or both. However, one undeniable fact is that the spread of fake news contributed immensely in the escalation of the violence. It is in light of this that the Gombe State Government strongly believes that determining the causes of the crisis is needed in order sanction those involved and take necessary measures to prevent future occurrence,” Yahaya added.
