Justin Tyopuusu, Jalingo
Governor Darius Ishaku of Tarawa State, on Monday, condemned the attacks and reprisal attacks between Jukun and Tiv ethnic groups in Wukari Local Government Area of the state as well as the herdsmen/farmers clash in Ardo-kola and Jalingo LGAs.
This was contained in a press statement issued, in Jalingo, and signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the governor, Mr. Bala Dan-Abu.
The Governor, who said he was greatly saddened by the news of the violent clashes between Jukuns and their Tiv neighbours in Kente and Rafinkada which occurred, on Friday, and the crisis involving herdsmen and farmers in Ardo-kola and Jalingo councils, directed security agencies to deal ruthlessly with those promoting the crises in the state.
“These latest crisis, like the ones before have resulted in the loss of innocent lives and the destruction of valuable properties and should not be allowed to happen again.
“The Jukuns and the Tiv are both farmers struggling to erk a living mainly from farm produce and must therefore, promote peace among them for their mutual benefits.
“I want to appeal to leaders of these communities to play their part by prevailing on their people to drop their weapons and cooperate with the security agencies to ensure that peace is sustained among them.
“I also want to warn the waring factions to sheathe their sword and embrace peace as I have directed security agencies to deal ruthlessly with the promoters of attacks and killings in the state.”
The statement added that the Governor has directed security agencies to move to the scenes of the crisis in Kente, Rafinkada and other areas under threats of attacks in the state.