The Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has sued for peace between the Lunguda and Waja speaking communities of the state.
The Governor’s appeal for peace came in the wake of Friday’s renewed hostilities between the two communities who have been at loggerheads with each other in the past.
The recent invasion was the fifth in the series of the communal clash over land.
Represented by the Secretary to the Gombe State Government, Ibrahim Njodi, Yahaya 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.
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.
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.
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 state government 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 to clear grey areas bordering on farmlands and access to government facilities.
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