Gombe Gov sues for peace amid weekend violence in Nyuwar
The Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has sued for peace between the Lunguda and Waja speaking communities of Gombe State.
The Governor’s appeal for peace came in the wake of Friday’s renewed hostilities between the two communities who have been at logger head with each in recent past.
Our correspondent reports that the recent invasion was the fifth in the series of the communal clash over land.
Represented by the Secretary to the Gombe State Government Prof. Ibrahim Njodi, the Governor visited the affected communities of Nyuwar, Gilengitu and Jessu where he had discussions with leaders and youths of the areas, on the opportunities for a lasting peace.
In the two communities visited, Governor Yahaya said, “there is hardly any dividing line between the people of Lunguda and Waja in lieu of their long standing relationship covering critical areas like inter marriages, cuisines as well as cultural heritage and ceremonies.”
He noted that his administration has been diplomatic over the amicable resolution of the Lunguda/Waja crisis in keeping with homegrown solution for peace.
He said his administration is deeply concerned by the renewed violence especially at a time when the rainy season is setting in for farmers to begin land preparation for this year’s cropping season.
The Governor however warned that henceforth the state government under his leadership, “will not tolerate any person or group of persons who are bent on instigating violence in the area to achieve their selfish desires,” Yahaya added.
He said the time has come for his administration to deploy a new approach in dealing with the crisis which has so far claimed lives and properties worth millions of naira.
Earlier speaking the district head of Nyuwar James Pisagih appealed to the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya to be more decisive on the merchants of violence in the area and their sponsors no matter how highly placed they are.
Pisagih also noted that the Governor has done well in deploying security forces to maintain the peace but appealed to him to arrest and prosecute those instigating violence in the area”.
He said “Nyuwar community has been under constant attack by individuals suspected to be Waja militias who have so far destroyed the property and livelihood of the people of his community.”
The traditional ruler expressed gratitude to Governor for sending a delegation to empathise with the people of Nyuwar describing the decision as swift and leadership personified.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Gilengitu community Usman Sirja, told the Governor that the opportunities for peace are within touching distance if the State government convoked a peace and reconciliatory meeting clear grey areas bordering on farmlands and access to Government facilities.
He equally thanked Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for showing empathy with the people of Gilengitu in their most difficult moment.
In Jessu where the representative of the Governor also it the same message of people and the need for the people of Lunguda and Waja to eschew violence in all its forms.
The district head of Jessu Mr. Linus had while responding to the Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s message of peace calls for concerted efforts to end the carnage.
He also appreciated the Gombe State Governor for his prompt response to quell the renewed hostilities.
The representative of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya also met with displaced persons mostly Women and Children taking refuge in Jessu where he assured them that the State would assist them where necessary
In the delegation are; Commissioner internal Security Adamu Kupto dishi, Permanent Secretaries Special Services and Political Affairs Mohammed A. Umar, special Advisers and head of security agencies in the state among others.
Joshua Danmalam, Information Officer, office of Secretary of Gombe State Government.
