Insecurity: Catholic Bishop urges Taraba elites to end bloodshed
Most Rev. Mark Nzukwein the Catholic Bishop of Wukari Diocese, on Friday called on the elite especially in the southern part of the state to work for peace and end lingering bloodshed in the area.
The bishop’s call is contained in a resolution reached at the end of a one-day interactive forum of stakeholders from Takum, Ussa, and Yangtu Special Development Area in Takum which he personally signed and made available to journalists.
The forum which expressed worry over the deteriorating state of security and the wanton destruction of lives and property in the southern part of the state urged stakeholders in the area to work towards ensuring that peace returned to the affected communities.
“While we urge the civil and traditional authorities to be exemplary, honest, and have the common good of the people at heart, we equally challenge the elites in the state to rise and close ranks among themselves and contribute their quota in the peace-building process.
“The prolonged silence of stakeholders over security challenges and destruction of lives and property in southern Taraba is no longer golden.
“The forum resolved to continue to function as a committee to facilitate peace and reconciliation in the area.
“While we congratulate Gov. Agbu Kefas on his assumption of office and other political office holders, we call on them to provide good governance by running an inclusive government, prioritizing the security of lives and property.
“We equally call on the Governor to ensure the return of the displaced people especially in Central and Southern Taraba, some of whom have been away from their homes for over four years.”
The forum also observed that the prolonged absence of a Paramount Ruler in Takum for over 26 years was inimical to peaceful coexistence calling on those saddled with the responsibility of facilitating the process to do so in the interest of peace.
