Women Group urges Takum LGA Chair, to address
killings in Chanchanji communities
From Daniel Mtindiga, Jalingo.
Taraba women group under the umbrella of Mzough U Kasev Tiv Taraba’, have paid a solemn visit on the Executive Chairman of Takum Local Government Area Hon. Benjamin Bako.
Speaking during the visit, the President of the Group Hon. Lucy Iyo Temaji who was accompanied by the Vice President Celestina Terfa, Secretary Mrs Fidelia Yaji, the Woman Leader of Tiv Cultural and Social Association Takum Branch and other Tiv Women Leaders from various LGAs of Taraba State said, the purpose of their visit was to plead with the Chairman to urgently intensify efforts to address the killing of innocent Tiv people of Takum LGA and Chanchanji in particular by armed Fulani militia.
She noted that, they are aware of the Chairman’s efforts but there was need to do more giving the fact that the situation is unabated.
“As concern mothers and wives, we feel that the mass killing of our husbands, children and relations is so unbearable hence, our cry and plea for a more aggressive intervention.
“We are aware of your efforts towards ending the crisis and the zero tolerance to crisis policy of Governor Agbu Kefas administration. But since the killings continue to linger, we are pleading with you to intensify efforts. As we talk to you there is a dire humanitarian situation in the communities that constitute Chanchanji Ward. Women and Children are sleeping in open places, while source of food supply is cut off, since people cannot go to farm to bring food for their families.
In Takum, you are a father figure to all of us. Moreso that you are the Chief Security Officer of the Local Government Area. Therefore, we come to you with eyes heavy with tears, looking up to you for help. We are confident that you will do the needful to return normalcy in our area”
Hon. Lucy Iyo Temaji, Leader of the group stated.
In his response, Chairman of Takum Local Government Council, Hon. Benjamin Bako, appreciated the peaceful approach of the women, even as he assured the women of his relentless efforts to address the situation.
He added that since assumption of office, he has remained committed to seeing that normalcy and peace return in Takum LGA.
He reiterated his commitment to a crisis free environment, which he said is in line with Government policy direction.
“Just like our Governor, our elder statesman General Theophilus Danjuma (RTD) does not want crises in Takum anymore. That is why he is developing the place. As part of efforts to address this sad situation, I have constituted a Task Force Committee to monitor and arrest criminals looting Tiv people’s property including farm produce.” He stated.
Hon. Bako called on people fermenting crisis in the area, many of whom he described are foreigners, to desist from such acts and embrace the atmosphere of peaceful co-existence which Governor Kefas has established in the state.
He also appealed to victims of the crisis not to take laws into their hands as the Government is working round the clock with the security agencies to safeguard lives and property of people.