By Emmanuel Awari, Jalingo
The Executive Chairman of Ardo-Kola Local Government Council, Taraba State, Hon. Umar Bello Badawaire, has intervened, in collaboration with security agencies, to restore normalcy in the Jauro Gana/Rumde community of Ardo-Kola Local Government Area following recent clashes between Christians and Muslims.
The Chairman convened a peace meeting, which was held in a peaceful and mature manner. In attendance were representatives of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), hunters, vigilante group, religious leaders, traditional leaders, and youth leaders.
Hon. Badawaire called on all leaders to preach peace and maintain peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians in Jauro Gana and the entire Ardo-Kola LGA.
The Chairman directed security agencies to arrest all youths involved in causing the conflict in Jauro Gana.
He also announced a total ban on all party nights and sunuca games in the area until further notice.
Hon. Umar Bello Badawaire promised to pay for all damages caused to the church and to settle the medical bills of all those who sustained injuries during the conflict.
He commended the Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, for his tireless efforts in ensuring peace across the state, and assured the good people of Jauro Gana that his administration remains committed to peace, unity, and development.
The meeting, according to the council, was held in a peaceful and mature atmosphere, with participants emphasising dialogue, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence as key to preventing further escalation.
Badawaire called on community leaders to intensify efforts to promote peace and strengthen harmonious relations between Muslims and Christians in Jauro Gana and across Ardo-Kola Local Government Area.
As part of measures to prevent a recurrence of the incident, the Chairman directed security agencies to identify and arrest youths allegedly involved in causing the conflict, in accordance with the law.
The Chairman assured residents of Jauro Gana and the entire Ardo-Kola Local Government Area that his administration would continue to prioritise peace, unity, justice, security, and sustainable development.
He urged residents and community leaders to reject violence and embrace dialogue as the preferred means of resolving differences.
“Peace is our collective responsibility. Let us reject violence, embrace dialogue, and continue to live together as one people,” the Chairman said.
A statement from a military representative said: “I am not here to maintain peace. I am here to enforce peace. Without peace, there will be no liberty.”
Recall that there was a serious security breach around the Jauro Gana/Rumde axis of Jalingo from Thursday to the weekend.
According to reports, the UMCN church building was attacked and damaged. In what appears to have been a reprisal, some youths also attacked a mosque, leaving several people injured.