On the mayhem in Dobi, Gwagwalada on April 2, 2011
In May 2001 there was mayhem in Gwagwalada. Ordinarily, the day was supposed to be meant and dedicated to strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC). But political antagonists used the oppotunity to cause havoc, leading to the destruction of valuable government property like the Area Council secretariat where the newly built office edifice and […]
In May 2001 there was mayhem in Gwagwalada. Ordinarily, the day was supposed to be meant and dedicated to strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC). But political antagonists used the oppotunity to cause havoc, leading to the destruction of valuable government property like the Area Council secretariat where the newly built office edifice and official cars were destroyed. The panel of inquiry set up by the then Abba Gana administration indicted members of the opposition, which gave the then chairman, Hon. Isah Egah Dobi (PDP) a clean bill. Similar pandemonium was recorded in the sleepy village of Dobi in the Gwagwalada Area Council on election day of April 2, 2011. This time around, it was a battle against the PDP, in the first instance. Is it a crime for a party to be in power?
Certain issues need to be tackled if peace must be made among the conflicting interests. It was widely witnessed that the thugs matcheted women, children and people perceived to be either PDP members, supporters or even having mere links with PDP. Evidence of the casualties are there to show. The irony of the whole matter is that even a seven-year-old boy was stabbed on the neck by the thugs. The boy and a woman also macheted are lying at the Alheri Clinic and Maternity in the Kutunku area of Gwagwalada. Similarly, another man machetted is also lying at the surgical ward of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital. No one is talking, neither the police nor the other law enforcement agencies. Most of the principal suspects earlier arrested in connection with the crime have been released, courtesy of their financiers. Haba! In a democratic setup where rule of law is in practice.
For how long would some bad eggs be protected even when they are found wanting. There is no way reconciliation can succeed without bringing the sponsors of the thugs to book. If justice is not given to these innocent wounded Nigerians, what then is so special about making peace with blood suckers? I want to call on the Inspector General of Police as well as the State Security Service to swing into action in order to give hope to these innocent victims, especially the women and children.
On a final note, the security agencies especially the police and the SSS would be deceiving themselves and wasting their time by making truce amongst the feuding parties without paying attention to how the culprits would be brought to justice, in order to serve as a detevent to others who might likely have the intention of indulging in violence and threatening peace. Opposition is not madness nor is it a ticket to maim, victimize, molest, intimidate or even murder perceived opponents.
Politics in Nigeria has not got to the extent of stabbing women and a seven-year-old child. What were the Divisional Police headquarter’s officers and men and the Area-Command, headed by a Chief Superintendent of police and an assistant commissioner of police, doing at the breakout of the violence? What was the police man force posted to Dobi doing when he was alerted? These are questions waiting for answer.
Salihu Dantata Mahmud, Abuja