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Tag: Wukari

  • Taraba crisis: NGO urges joint effort to enthrone peace

    The GilbertNyanganji Foundation, a Non Governmental Organisation ( NGO ), has called on people of Taraba to support efforts by both the state and Federal Governments aimed at restoring peace to the state.

    Founder of the organisation, Mr Gilbert Nyanganji made the call at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja.

    According to him, there is nothing heroic, wise or worthy of praise about mass conflict and violence.

    Nyangaji, however, applauded the efforts of Gov. Darius Ishaku for steering the affairs of the various State and Federal Government commissions to ensure peace in Taraba.

    He also commended the governor’s dedication to finding lasting solutions to the crisis in the state.

    Nyangaji noted that different areas in the state had witnessed several ethnic clashes, dating back to the 70s between farmers and herders across the state.

    He added that each round of such violence had led to the next with no successful resolution of the crisis.

    Nyangaji noted that in June 2017, a similar ethnic clash erupted on the Mambilla which affected 13 communities including: Kwarakwara, Mayo, Ndaga, Nguroje, Dorofi, Tamyo, Hainare, and Chabbal Peluwaje among others.

    “Another clash erupted in March this year, affecting the Nyiwa, Maisamari, Yalwa, Karim-Lamido, Gassol, Takum, Wukari and Lau communities.

    “This circle of violence is now a reality for the people of Taraba and should not be the norm in the state,´´ he said.

    Nyanganji added that the issues that caused the seeming unending violence in the state, does not defy negotiation and reconciliation, adding that if violence was the solution, those issues would have been long resolved.

    He, therefore, said that there was a strong need for a better course of action, especially as violence in the state had escalated presently.

    Read Also: ‘New Taraba’ endorses Umar for 2019 governorship

    “It is time to chart the course of engagement and dialogue, these killings will continue if we do not sit down to talk, and to think.

    “They will solve nothing and we will only aggravate the animosity among us, especially among our youths and children.

    “Experience has taught us across the world to understand that non violent conflict resolution informed by mutual compassion is the far better option, ´´ he said.

    Nyanganji said this necessitated GilbertNyanganji Foundation to launch the `THINK’ campaign for peace and dialogue in Taraba.

    According to him, the THINK campaign will be a series of engagements across Taraba to encourage grassroots support for ongoing efforts by both the Federal and State Governments´ constituted conflict resolution commissions.

    “Our aim is that following these engagements, the sons and daughters of Taraba would choose a different course of action.

    “People should drop their various tools of violence and think about our actions and their repercussion, and embrace peaceful settlement of our differences,’’ he said.

    Nyanganji said that the THINK campaign had begun the production and distribution of campaign posters and handbills across the state for sensitisation on the need to embrace peace.

    NAN

  • Federal University, Wukari honours Danjuma, 2 traditional rulers

    The Federal University, Wukari in Taraba, has conferred honourary degrees on Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), as well as the Aku Uka of Wukari, Dr. Shekarau Angyu.

    Also honoured by the institution is the Ona of Abaji, Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa, who is also to be installed the first Chancellor of the institution which was established in 2011.

    Its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abubakar Kundiri, disclosed this on Friday, at a press conference in Wukari, to kick start activities lined up for the university’s maiden convocation ceremony slated for Saturday, March 4.

    The Vice Chancellor said that the three Nigerians were being recognised for their enormous contributions toward a greater Nigeria.

    He announced that 394 candidates would be awarded first degrees, with 16 of them graduating with First Class.

    According to him, 116 bagged Second Class Upper Division, with 192 getting Second Class Lower Division, while 20 had Third Class degrees.

    Reviewing his achievements in the one year he had served as Vice Chancellor, Kundiri said that he was able to complete the library, ICT Centre, as well as two lecture theatres with capacities for 1000 and 600 seats, respectively.

    He said that many other facilities had been put in place to qualify the institution to resubmit its 18 unaccredited courses for further assessment by the National Universities Commission.

    Kundiri expressed satisfaction with the peaceful atmosphere of Wukari, hitherto seen as a war zone, noting that the school, for the first time, had an uninterrupted academic session between 2016 and 2017.

    He solicited stakeholders’ support toward building a conducive environment for effective learning, research and community service.

     

  • Don charges Fed. University, Wukari on research, community service

    Prof Suleiman Bogoro has challenged scholars at the Federal University, Wukari in Taraba to embark on problems-solving researches toward tackling the issues facing the north-east region.

    Bogoro threw the challenge on Friday in Wukari, while delivering the maiden Convocation Lecture of the University.

    “Apart from being a centre of learning, the Federal University, Wukari should add value to the host and neighbouring communities through research and community service.

    “The school is well positioned to help the north-east because it is located in a state that is agrarian in nature, with the largest population of livestock and abundant water resources.

    “What remains is for the scholars to make use of these advantage to arrive at solutions to the myriad of problems that had kept the north-east permanently backward,” he said.

    He identified climate change and the consequent ecological challenges such as drought, desertification and insufficient water for agriculture, human and economic activities as vital areas for research.

    “Others areas could be appropriate irrigation technology to support food security and self-sufficiency, as well as marketing and post-harvest management,” he said.

    Bogoro also challenged the university to venture into aggressive peace building processes and intra-community reintegration so as to restore broken relationships along ethno-religious and icommunity lines.

     

  • 26 Professors battle for Unijos VC post

    26 Professors battle for Unijos VC post

    26 professors from various disciplines have been invited for interview between 19th and 21st April for the post of University of Jos, Vice Chancellor.

    The out going V.C, Prof. Hayward Babale Mafuyai’s tenure will end on the 20th June 2016.

    Prominent on list of the candidates are Prof. Ezekiel Best, Dean social sciences, Prof Dung Pam Sha, Director, Office of Research, Prof Audu Nanven Gambo, immediate Past Director, Centre for conflict management and peace studies, Prof Yilkur N. Lohdip, Director Academic Planning, and Prof Sebastian Maimako, dean , Management Sciences.

    Other strong contenders are Prof Isaac Lar of English Dept, Prof Umar Danfulani, immediate past Dean of Arts, Prof G. O. Akpa, former V.C, Kwararafa University, Wukari,Prof. Thomas Baba Bingel of History, Prof Andrew Haruna, current vice chancellor, Federal University Gashua, Prof Francis Ojaide of Accounting, Prof H.A Lar of Geosciences, Prof Dimis Mailafia of Economics, Prof Abraham Mallum of Education, prof Daniel Dabi of Geography and Planning, Prof N.K. Dakum , former  Dean of Medical Sciences, and a female candidate, prof Naomi James Rugu, Director of SIWES.

     

    Seven Candidates from other universities made up of Prof Ashom Musa of Abuja University, Prof Bala Dogo of NDA University, Prof J.S.Rabo, Prof. E.J Nwana, Prof D.I Jaja, Prof. Rasheed Jimoh Ijodda and Dr. Joseph Maangut are also in for the hot battle.

     

    Members of the University of Jos community are worried about the high number of those wanting to be the Vice Chancellor. This is the highest in the history of the 40 years old institution, and probably in Nigeria. No one is sure of who would emerge as the Vice Chancellor, as the autonomy granted federal universities, made the appointment of vice chancellors sole of affairs of each university, without direct interference by the Visitor (president).

     

    The University of Jos governing council, under the chairmanship of Chief Dr. Don Etiebet, with representatives from the university senate will conduct the interview, and announce the winner within 24 hours. The candidates would be expected to unfold their dream plans for the University, at the interview, and panel members will ask them questions from their presentations, and issues relating to the University administration, with emphasis on the university of Jos peculiarities.

     

    The candidates’ interaction with ASUU, was very fruitful, helping members of the University community present at the Thursday 15th April interaction to know what the candidates are made of.Prof. Ezekiel Best, dean of social sciences, was seen as a good material, considering his staff-students relationship, making his office as dean accessible to all, and for transforming the centre for continuing education when he was the director as some of his achievements. Best was also praised for always taking his lectures.

     

    Prof Pam Dung Sha, whose inaugural lecture drew the whole University population to the Multi-purpose Auditorium, was seen as an excellent academic and administrator. As head of Political Science, he introduced many new professional courses; ensure discipline among staff and students. He was acknowledged as a man of vision when he served as Deputy Dean of Social Sciences, and later of Post Graduate School, before his current appointment as Director, office of the Research.

     

    Prof. Audu Nanven Gambo won the students heart, when he was Deputy Dean of Students Affairs. He was said to battle the cult activities, sanitize hostel allocation, and ensured welfare of students.  His success at student affairs, probably led to his appointment as Director, Centre for conflict management and peace studies and his election by the senate to the University Council along with Prof Sha.

     

    Another candidate that may spring surprise is Prof Sebastian Maimako, dean of Management Sciences. He is a core academician, one time deputy dean of social sciences and the pioneer Deputy Dean of Management Sciences. He has served in various senate committees, known for his passion for the University of Jos and his desire to see the university grow may be his driving force.

     

    Also to make in road is Prof Yilkur Lohdip, a former Dean of Natural Sciences, and current Director of Academic Planning. This is his second attempt to the office of the V.C. Lohdip’s experience in Academic Planning would no doubt add value to his outing and performance in office, if appointed.

     

    Prof. Isaac of English Dept is man to watch. He is highly principled, disciplined, with a clear vision for the University. A former chairman, Board of Elders of the chapel of Faith, in the University, his integrity and dedication to duty will work in his favour.

    Prof. Umar Danfulani was said to get the second position in the interview that brought the out going V.C. to the office. An international scholar, who has mentored younger scholars outside his faculty, he is a person that can attract various grants to the university. Prof Andrew Haruna, who is currently the vice chancellor of Federal University, Gashua, was a leading contender before his appointment. It is not certain if he will attend the interview or hold to the new appointment.

     

    Two weeks ago, 52 years old Monday Danjem, emerged as the new Registrar of the University. He came top of four other candidates, in a keenly contested interview.

    Chief Monday Danjem had his first degree from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and Master Degree in Public Administration, at the University of Jos. He was Deputy Registrar, Senior staff establishment, and later Deputy Registrar, V.C‘s office. He will assume office on 21st June, 2016.

  • Displaced children in Wukari

    Displaced children in Wukari

    INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS FROM WUKARI CRISIS WAITING TO RECEIVE RELIEF MATERIALS FROM NEMA IN JALINGO ON THURSDAY. NAN
    INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS FROM WUKARI CRISIS WAITING TO RECEIVE
    RELIEF MATERIALS FROM NEMA IN JALINGO ON THURSDAY. NAN
  • Death toll in Taraba violence hits 44

    Death toll in Taraba violence hits 44

    The casualty figure in the ethno-religious crisis in Wukari and Ibi local government areas of Taraba State has risen to 44.

    More people were killed  in retaliatory attacks –on the roads and in remote hamlets. Eye-witnesses said some of the bodies had their heads cut off.

    More houses were also discovered to have been torched in the resurgence of violence which erupted on Sunday.

    Tension has grown high in other areas, including Takum and Donga local government councils.

    During an “assessment tour” by the police yesterday, 15 bodies were recovered.

    Police spokesman Joseph Kwaji said 11 bodies were recovered in Ibi. Four were recovered in Wukari.

    “We are carrying out an assessment tour of the crisis area. We went to Ibi and we are now in Wukari.

    “In Ibi, we recovered 11 bodies; 21 persons were injured. In Wukari; we got about four bodies,” said Kwaji, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).

    The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Adamawa, Gombe and Taraba states, Mohammed Jinjiri Abubakar, Police Commissioner Kalafite Adeyemi and the Area Commander were part of the team that visited Wukari and Ibi.

    The AIG visited the palace of the Aku-Uka, Dr. Shekarau Angyu, to condole with him on the tragedy.

    In Ibi, he assured the people of his readiness to protect lives and property.

    Acting Governor of Taraba State Garba Umar condemned the attacks and killings.

    He ordered the restriction of movement by the military in the affected areas until “total normalcy” is restored.

    Umar, who spoke yesterday through his Chief Press Secretary Kefas Sule, blamed the latest crisis on “activities of youth groups”.

    “Preliminary findings on the cause of the recent outburst of violence in the two areas (Wukari and Ibi) indicate that it is the result of negative activities of some youth groups.

    “As a corollary to this, all youth groups in Wukari and Ibi have been proscribed, and security agencies should take note of this ban and enforce it,” he said.

    Umar said the government would pay the bills of victims of the crisis who would be treated in government facilities.

    He said he was making efforts to move relief materials to the affected communities, while calling for “calm and restraint” from residents of Taraba.

    The senator representing Southern Taraba district, Emmanuel Bwacha, condoled the relatives of those killed in the violence.

    “I am deeply saddened by the development,” he told The Nation.

    The senator believed the number of casualties might have been more than what was reported.

    He said: “I don’t want to speculate the casualty figure, but based on the information at my disposal, the number of deaths is more than that.”

    Bwacha, a lawyer, advised his constituents not to take the law into their hands, in spite of the situation.

    “They should take recourse to security agencies and their agents; report suspicious characters to the nearest security station.

    “I believe God will expose the sponsors –whoever that is responsible,” he said, adding that “the violence is masterminded and fuelled by the powers that be in Jalingo.”

     

  • Insurgents attack two villages

    Insurgents yesterday attacked Ndo-Yaku village in Wukari and Tor-Tse settlement in Takum Local Government Area. Many residents were killed while their homes were torched.

    The ‘presence’ of security operatives from neighbouring Adamawa and Gombe states did not deter the attackers.

    Ex-President, Jukun Youth of Vision, Luka Agbu told reporters that the onslaught was targeted at Jukun and Tiv indigenes.

    “We don’t know what Jukun and Tiv people have done that warrants these killings,” he said.

    Agbu disclosed that the attackers are militias hired to reduce or annihilate the population of Jukun and Tiv.

    “The militias were armed; they invaded more villages, including those that were previously attacked with “General Multipurpose Machine Gun (GPMG). They overpowered security operatives in all the areas.”

    He said the attackers were dressed in military uniform and opened fire on Ndo-Yaku village -some few kilometers away from the administrative headquarters of Wukari in the morning.

    Agbu accused Acting Governor Garba Umar of allowing insurgents to come to Wukari and fight for his 2015 governorship ambition.

    Acting Governor Garba Umar, however, denied knowledge of any attack yesterday.

    He told curious reporters in in Jalingo that “I am not aware, because no one has briefed me”.

    Police spokesman Joseph Kwaji said he was yet to be briefed by the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs).

    “In fact, I am still waiting to hear from the DPOs,” Kwaji said.

  • ‘No more crisis in Wukari’

    A retired soldier and community leader in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, Lt.-Col Agbu Kefas, has said the town will not witness another crisis again.

    The community leader spoke at the weekend in the beleaguered town after a peace meeting with Christian and Muslim youth leaders at the Top Elim Suites on the Wukari-Ibi Road.

    Scores of the residents have been killed in violence with property estimated at millions of naira destroyed.

    The crisis is said to be religious between Jukun and Hausa natives, who are described as “indigenes” and “land grabbers”.

    There are speculations that another round of violence, referred to as the “season three of the crisis”, will erupt this week.

    But Kefas, who is the Chairman, Board of Directors, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and an indigene of Wukari, allayed the fears of a possible recurrence.

    He urged fleeing residents to return to their businesses without panic.

    The community leader said the youths told him they had done the area a lot of wrongs and promised not to unsheathe their swords again.

    Kefas said: “That is the reason I have come to Wukari. When I met with the warring youths, they all assured me that there is nothing like ‘part three’ or ‘season three’ of the crisis.”

     

  • 39 killed, 30 injured in Taraba religious clash

    39 killed, 30 injured in Taraba religious clash

    • Unofficial sources say death toll may top 100

    • 24-hour curfew imposed on Wukari

    • Killings must stop, Acting Governor, Umar, vows

     Wukari, Taraba State, was a ghost town yesterday 24 hours after the eruption of a fierce sectarian violence in which the police confirmed 39 people dead.

    Residents believe that as many as 130 lives may have been lost.

    Thirty others were injured and about 70 houses and shops torched.

    The Acting Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar, in a broadcast yesterday condemned the killings and destructions saying, “This is unacceptable. The killings must stop.”

    A visibly saddened Umar, who imposed the 24-hour curfew in the area, described the killings as “very unfortunate.”

    He noted that the government would do everything possible to protect lives and property, adding that perpetrators of the crisis must be punished.

    The cost of the buildings, vehicles and other assets lost to the mayhem runs into billions of naira.

    Security men have taken over the streets to restore order while the state government imposed a round-the-clock curfew on the town, forcing all residents indoors.

    Locked in the bloody battle were the Jukun and the Fulani.

    Eye-witnesses said the mayhem began during the burial procession of a high ranking Jukun Chief.

    The mourners alleged that the Fulani, who are mainly Muslims, barricaded the road to the burial ground. The Muslims said they only gathered for the Jumat prayers.

    Coming so soon after a similar confrontation in February in which 20 people died, an argument soon ensued between the two sides; temper rose until the situation got out of hand and pandemonium broke out.

    Some fled the scene while others reached for daggers, axes, cudgels and even guns.

    As news of the crisis spread, fighters mounted roadblocks along the Wukari-Jalingo Road where they attacked ‘enemies’ plying the road..

    Thousands of residents fled Wukari, some of them taking refuge in Zaki-Biam, Kyado and Jootar in neighbouring Benue State.

    The police moved in to quell the violence and clear the mess.

    Government followed with a 24hour curfew.

    At press time, the police said they had recovered 39 corpses which were deposited at the Yam Market on the Wukari-Jalingo Road.

    Some of the bodies were headless. One of those beheaded was a pregnant woman. Also gone were her legs.

    The private parts of some other victims were also removed. It was a gory sight.

    The police said they have arrested over 30 suspected rioters.

    They are working to prevent a spill over to neighbouring towns .

    “We are now patrolling Wukari town -to maintain law and order,” Police Spokesman, Joseph Kwaji, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), told The Nation.

    Kwaji said the severely injured are receiving treatment at the General Hospital, Wukari.

    An aid worker said:”We have recovered 20 bodies from the violence so far. We are still going round the town in search of more bodies,” he said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media about death tolls.

    A woman, who also does not want to be named, said: “I slept in the bush to escape with these kids,” pointing to his three children-two boys and a girl.

    The State’s Acting Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar is said to be shocked and saddened by the development.

    Only 24 hours before the incident, he had inaugurated a seven-man Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the previous crises in Wukari and Ibi local government areas.

  • 39 feared killed, 30 injured in Taraba crisis- Police

    39 feared killed, 30 injured in Taraba crisis- Police

    A fresh orgy of religious violence was on Friday recorded in Wukari, Taraba state with no fewer than 39 persons killed and over 30 injured.

    At least 70 houses and commercial centres were torched.

    Wukari shares boundary with Benue and Narasawa states.

    Although more more than 100 persons were reportedly killed and about 60 injured  in the violent clash, police said 39 corpses have been recovered and 30 persons confirmed injured. The bodies were seen being deposited at the Yam Market –along Wukari-Jalingo Road.

    Some of the bodies have been beheaded, with body parts removed.

    A joint force of police and the army kept watch in the  the area.

    Eye-witnesses said the crisis began on Friday when a Jukun Chief Warder –a monarch third to the Aku-Uka died and was about to be buried.

    The mourners alleged that the Muslims barricaded the way to the burial ground.

    This triggered retaliatory attacks that led to many deaths. But a Muslim spokesman told The Nation that they were gathered only for their Jumai (Friday) prayers.

    A dusk to dawn curfew has been imposed to quell the uprising.

    The troops said they arrested over 30 suspected rioters while making  efforts to prevent a spill of the crisis to neighbouring states.

    “We are now patrolling Wukari town -to maintain law and order”, Police Spokesman, Joseph Kwaji, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) told The Nation.

    Kwaji said the severely injured are receiving treatment at the General Hospital, Wukari.

    Christian and Muslim residents of Wukari have been up-in-arms against one another in recent times.

    Apart from attacks on residences, fighters mounted roadblocks along the Wukari-Jalingo Road where they eliminated “enemies” plying the route.

    Thousands of residents have fled Wukari. Particularly the Muslim escapees have taken refuge in Zaki-Biam, Kyado and Jootar areas of Benue state. While others are running to Jalingo –the Taraba state capital.

    A Christian woman police who spoke to The Nation said her husband was trailed throughout yesterday night by rioters. She said: “I slept in the bush to escape with these kids”, (pointing on two males and a female).

    Only in February, over 300 persons were feared killed and properties worth billions of naira destroyed in Wukari in a similar religiously claimed hostilities.

    Taraba State Acting Governor Alhaji Garba Umar is said to be shock and saddened by the unfortunate development.

    Umar had on Thursday inaugurated a seven-man ‘Judicial Commission of Inquiry’ to investigate the previous crises in Wukari and Ibi local government areas, only for a fresh orgy of violence to begin to shine off the following day (Friday).