Security-Nigeria - Following the crisis which claimed many lives in Tafawa Balewa area of Bauchi State, Governor Isa Yuguda has threatened to demolish the entire town with the exception of government institutions like hospitals and schools. Yuguda stated this while receiving the report of the high-powered stakeholders consultative meeting held at the Government House, recently. According to Yuguda, though, his administration had resolved never to extend any material and or monetary assistance to victims of any man-made disturbances in the state, "the present situation at hand has compelled me to rescind that earlier decision. We shall assist but on the condition that this shall be the last.

"In future, we have resolved not to tolerate any disturbance in whatever form. We have tolerated enough, we have handled enough and we shall now act decisively no matter the consequences. You should either embrace peaceful coexistence or stand the risk of total ejection from Tafawa Balewa. I shall direct the complete demolition of the town for peace to reign."

Presenting their resolutions to Yuguda after an emergency joint stakeholders meeting of Muslim and Christian representatives of Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro local government areas, the spokesman of the community, Dr. Salisu Shehu, who read out contents of the agreement reached between the two groups, revealed that it was agreed that effective from this moment, residents of the areas shall bury their imaginary differences and live in peace in the interest of all. Salisu Shehu who lost a relation in the last crisis further read out: "We are assuring the governor that Tafawa Balewa and its environs shall remain peaceful while the residents will remain law abiding. We however want to appeal for assistance to all the victims of the recent disturbance and compensation for losses incurred."

He then pointed out that compensation of lives and property should be paid to affected persons by government as part of efforts for a lasting solution to the problem bedeviling the two areas, saying that, "incessant and continuous failure of government to punish perpetrators of previous atrocities are responsible for the intermittent happening of the various disturbances."

According to him, the meeting also resolved for immediate resettlement of all internally displaced persons by government as well as the supply of food, clothing, beddings and medicaments without discrimination to all victims.

Patience Ogbodo

Daily Independent