YOLA/By Tom Garba – An indigenous group in Nigeria’s north-east, Pene Da Bwatiye has demanded an investigation into the recent massacre of scores of innocent natives in Numan communities in Adamawa, even as it called on the Federal Government to suspend the three paramount traditional rulers accused of complicity in the attacks.
The National President of Bachama People under the auspices of Pene Da Bwatiye, Prince Hezron Fada, in a statement Friday morning, accused Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar lll, Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and the Lamido of Adamawa, Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa of instigating the killings in Numan, demanding their suspension for what he described as their perfidious role in the wanton” killings of innocent people in Numan.
The statement called on the Federal government to remove the paramount Fulani rulers “for using the commissioning of the Pulaku Radio to unleash their foreign dogs of war on the Bachama people.”
“The statement made by the Emir of Kano on behalf of the Sultan of Sokoto on the invitation of the Lamido of Adamawa was the launching pad for the terror unleashed on our people,” Mr. Fada stated.
However, the Group did not state categorically the alleged incisive statement made by the Traditional rulers.
It said, “These Traditional rulers are not above the law, the government should suspend them and investigate the role they played In the invasion of our land by the killer herdsmen.”
“We demand the immediate sack of the Adamawa State Commissioner for information and strategy, Ahmad Sajoh who aided in propagating falsehood by going on national television to down play the extent of killing and also encourage the dastardly act committed by the Fulani gunmen. It is important to state that the said Ahmad Sajoh clearly supported the carnage given his negative outburst.”
The statement noted that the perennial conflicts between herdsmen and farmers have become a plague on the nation and its unity. “the herdsmen have become arrogant, audacious and full of impunity having regard to the apparent license they have from the government, to kill at will and to stop these clashes we demand the passage of anti-grazing law in Adamawa state.”
They also called on Government to Institute a judicial panel of inquiry and implement to the letter all recommendations that would be made by the panel.
Mr Graphit Kpakai who read the statement to journalists on behalf of the Bwatiye nation said the coordinated attacks resulting in brutal killings, rape and arson by Fulani gunmen and their hired mercenaries with a new twist of the involvement of the Nigerian Air force that provided air cover and conducted air raids on their people is uncalled for.
He reiterated that the Bwatiye people wherever you find them are ever willing to live peacefully with all that come to their domain.
He observed that the recent attacks, including the recent dastardly act of brutal and wanton killing by Fulani herdsmen and their hired machineries in Lawaru and Dong in Demsa local government area, Kikon, Shafaron, Kodomti Nega and Bare in Numan local government area and Gyawana in Lamurde LGA is worrisome.
He urged all Bwatiye people to remain law abiding.
