With barely 48 hours to the new year, a communal clash erupted in Gwako
town at Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
over boundary-related disputes on farmlands, with two people confirmed
dead, 1,500 people displaced in 27 affected communities.
The clash which occurred yesterday drew the attention of the National
Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and FCT Administration (FCTA) to
jointly activate their Search and Rescue teams.
It was the prompt intervention of the two agencies including security
personnel from the police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps
(NSCDC) and the military that helped to curtail the escalation of the
crisis which started Saturday as a result of encroachment of herd of
cattle into farmlands in the area, before it escalated to a major fight
Sunday.
The FCT Police Commissioner, Mr. Aderenle Shinaba, who confirmed the
story said his men were still in the area to ensure that there would not
be re-occurrence or retaliation from the Fulanis on the people.
The FCT police boss also confirmed the arrest of 15 suspects in connection with the clash.
The Director General of NEMA, Mr. Muhammad Sani-Sidi, commended the FCT
Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, who visited the scene of the clash
appealed to the warring parties to live peacefully with one another and
eschew any form of violence as we enter the New Year.
Sani-Sidi, who disclosed that two lives were lost and 27 communities
affected, said that over 1500 internally displaced people are currently
squatting in a temporary camp on the permanent campus of the University
of Abuja in Gwagwalada area.
In the same vein, Mohammed who led the FCTA team and other government
agencies to assess the impact of the incident appealed to the
communities to remain calm as the government would ensure that the
causes of the crisis would soon be addressed to enable them return to
their homes.
He also asked NEMA to provide more amenities to the victim in the camp
and constituted an emergency team for conflict resolution and relief
distribution to the affected communities.
Commiserating with about 200 Fulanis, who were taking refuge at the
University of Abuja permanent site, the NEMA DG said: “I urge you to
take heart and not take any action that will be seen as a reprisal.
President Goodluck Jonathan has already been briefed about the incident.
I therefore enjoin both communities to live in peace and harmony with
one another.
“We assure the displaced communities that all measures would be taken
to ensure the security and protection of lives and properties.”
Mohammed, who also visited the scene with FCT Police Commissioner and
Commander of the Guards Brigade, and other top FCTA officials announced
that relief materials including food, water, mattresses and blankets
have already been sent to them and they will continue to be looked after
by FCTA and NEMA.
On his part, the Sarkin Fulani, who spoke on behalf of the Fulani
Communities, commended the FCT Minister and Jonathan for their timely
intervention.
Meanwhile, the FCT Minister has called a meeting today.
No comments:
Post a Comment