Mambilla Violence: Ishaku Appeals for Calm, Prayers

Wole Ayodele in Jalingo

Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku, has assured the people of the state that government is doing everything possible to ensure the safety of lives and properties on the Mambilla Plateau just as he appealed to them to be law abiding and prayerful.

Ishaku, in a press statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Hassan Mijinyawa, said it is a very sad development that lives and property were lost in the crisis despite efforts being made by his administration to restore peace to every part of the state.

“I want to appeal to the people of the state to continue to be law abiding and prayerful. Government is doing everything possible to ensure the safety of lives and property on the Mambilla plateau”

Describing the crisis as needless and senseless, Ishaku maintained that the violence negates the resolve of the generality of the people to progress as a people which has been the cardinal objective of his administration.

He, however, assured the public that necessary measures had been put in place to ensure that the crisis is brought to a complete stop, adding that government would not shy away from her responsibility of securing lives and property.

Condemning the crisis in its totality, the governor equally noted that security agencies had already been charged to be on top of the situation and expressed optimism that normalcy would return to the area.
“Security agencies have already been charged to be on top of the situation and by the grace of God, we shall overcome this darkness as it is impossible to understand the evil thoughts of those perpetrating this unacceptable behaviour and I condemn in its entirety.”

Enjoining the people of the state to continue to live in peace with one another, the governor noted: “It is only through peaceful co-existence and sincere neighbourliness that we can co-habit in this space called Taraba that has been given to us by God Almighty.”

Violence broke out on the Mambilla plateau on Monday between the Fulanis and Mambillas following a misunderstanding between a Fulani and a Mambilla which led to the loss of no fewer than seven persons and property worth millions of naira.

To bring the situation under control, a dusk to dawn curfew was imposed on the local government by the council Chairman, John Yep, in conjunction with security agencies while three units of mobile policemen were deployed to restore peace to the area.