Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
The Ayatutu Cultural and Social Development Initiative (AYACASODI) Worldwide has expressed disappointment over the statement made by the Senator-elect of Taraba South, Hon. David Jimkuta against the Tiv Nation.
A statement release by the National Secretary, Comrade David Nylagee said:
“We received with great shock and disappointment, the unfortunate and unverified allegations leveled against Tiv Nation by the Senator elect, Hon. David Jumkuta, who the same Tiv people of Taraba State massively voted for, leading to his victory against the immediate past Governor of the State, Darius Dickson Ishaku”.
He said that if there are people who deserves Justice and sympathy from the Senator-elect, it is the Tiv people, for before the recent Tsukundi incident, there was an attack on a Tiv settlement called Akinde, which recorded lost of lives and destruction of properties.
“This unprovoked attack on Tiv people was not in secret as it was published by different media outfits within and outside Taraba State”.
According to the statement, Bako Benjamin instigated more violence on the same Sunday, innocent Tiv people were brutally killed in and around Wukari town including passengers who were plying the Zaki Biam – Wukari – Jalingo Federal Highway.
“We also came out publicly and made a press statement condemning the instigation of public disturbances by Bako Benjamin and the attack in general.
“I the National Secretary of AYACASODI personally sent the Press Statement to Hon. Jimkuta which he deliberately failed to respond, only for him to come out and issue a biased and detrimental statement against Tiv people.
“Who knows if the Tsukundu incident is a mere propaganda by the Jukun in their usual way, to give the Tiv people a bad name in order to find favour and continue with their agenda of ethnic cleansing on the Tiv people of Taraba State?
“Recall that after the 2019 elections, the Jukun carried out similar act and started killing and burning Tiv people in Kente town. Could this be the same intention? Only God knows.
The statement strongly condemn the unverified allegations leveled against Tiv Nation by Hon. David Jimkuta, the Southern Taraba Senator elect in totality.
“We ask him to withdraw the statement immediately if truly he does not want to become a tribalistic legislator so early but an unbiased representative of Southern Taraba which the Tiv are also part of.
“We expect the Senator elect to be civil and fair in his dealings so as to maintain a peaceful Southern Taraba, for peace and justice is all we ask for – the statement concluded.
Recall that the Senator Elect for Taraba South Senatorial District, Sen. David Jimkuta condemned in strong terms the recent attacks on Tsukundi, Kyhazo and pita villages in Wukari local government area by suspected Tiv Militia.
Jimkuta disclosed that the recent violent attacks by suspected Tiv militia in some surrounding villages in Wukari local which has claimed many lives and several others injured was unacceptable.
“I am deeply saddened and outraged by the heinous attack on members of our constituency at Tsokundi, Kyhazo, Pita and other villages in Wukari local government which, unfortunately, resulted in the tragic loss of innocent lives.
“This criminal act is a direct assault on the peace and harmony that we have worked tirelessly to foster within our community
“I unequivocally condemn this senseless violence and stand in solidarity with the affected families.
“I call on the relevant authorities, particularly the law enforcement agencies, to swiftly and diligently investigate this appalling incident.
“It is of utmost importance that the perpetrators of this act of terror are apprehended and brought to justice”he said.
He explained that the stakeholders of the area cannot allow such acts of violence to go unpunished as it undermines the fabric of their society and threatens the security of our people.
Jimkuta urged the people of Taraba South in general and Wukari in particular, to remain calm and refrain from any acts that could lead to a breakdown of law and order and further disrupt the peace they were striving to maintain.
“Let us unite as one community and work with entrenched security systems to address this grave injustice” he added.
The Senator similarly urged families who lost loved ones in the unfortunate incident and those who sustained injuries to accept his heartfelt commiserations.
“I share in your grief and pain, and I stand ready to offer any support and assistance that may be required during this difficult period.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we will do everything within our power to ensure that justice is served and that such a tragedy does not happen again.
“As your elected representative, I want to assure you that I remain fully committed to the safety and well-being of our constituency.
Jimkuta said stakeholders must nip this evil in the bud and create an environment where every citizen can live without fear or intimidation.
Meanwhile, he has called on the people of Taraba South to come together in unity and resilience and support one another and foster an atmosphere of peace, love, and understanding.
SUMMIT POST reports that at least five persons have been killed while several others have been injured following barricading of roads by unidentified armed men in the area last week
