The Guardian (Nigeria)

Taraba Killings: Coalition Sues For Peace, Urges Govt To Step Up Action

- From Charles Akpeji, Jalingo

THE Taraba State Chapter of the Coalition for Civil Society Organisati­ons (COSCOTS) has condemned the recent post-electoral violence, which led to the breakdown of law in Jalingo, the state capital.

The group called on the state governor, Darius Dickson Ishaku, to look into the crisis that led to wanton destructio­n of lives and property.

Speaking, yesterday, in Jalingo, the Coalition, led by Aliyu Tukur and Raymond Enoch, called on the state government to immediatel­y

find permanent solution to the mayhem and restore peace in the state.

The said unrest, brought about by the outcome of the governorsh­ip election, compelled the state government to impose a dusk to dawn curfew in Jalingo metropolis. Wondering why the people, who have been living together for decades, suddenly decided to take up arms against themselves, the group said security operatives should be supported by government to play their statutory role effectivel­y without bias, fear, or favour.

THE Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mr. Onofiok Luke and other stakeholde­rs in the state, have described recent political tension, thuggery and killings as the handiwork of persons desperate for power.

Speaking in Uyo, the state capital, Luke said: “What happened was desperatio­n of persons who wanted to take over power at all costs, and were unaware they do not have the people on their side again. They resorted to armtwistin­g, employment of foul means to get into office. This is quite sad.”

Luke, who has been elected to represent Etinan, Nsit Ibom and Nsit Ubium in the Federal House of Representa­tives, said: “It is quite unfortunat­e. Akwa Ibom people and their sensibilit­ies could not be insulted. We are resolute in ensuring a peaceful conduct of the people at all times”

The Deputy Director General of PDP Divine Mandate and political leader of Esit Eket, Elder Joe Udoabia equally condemned the act of violence perpetrate­d by some persons saying: “Election is a process of democracy that should be peaceful and acceptable by the people and to check violence.”

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