Re: The killings in Wase

One would have wished that the newspaper dug beyond the recent killings, unearthed the remote reasons why the situation deteriorated to what it is today before writing its Editorial of last Thursday.That the militia exists and perpetrates its unwholesome activities is true. That they are of Tarok extraction is no false. And that they are […]

One would have wished that the newspaper dug beyond the recent killings, unearthed the remote reasons why the situation deteriorated to what it is today before writing its Editorial of last Thursday.
That the militia exists and perpetrates its unwholesome activities is true. That they are of Tarok extraction is no false. And that they are occupying Wadatan Kasuwa, Wadatan Garga, Kurmi villages with their headquarters in Kadarko village of Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State after expelling other tribes of Bogghom, Hausa, Fulani and Jukun is unarguably correct.
After the soldiers repelled the militia’s attack on Taraba State’s Karim Lamido, the militiamen headed towards Wadata; and when the soldiers were about entering the village in pursuit, they were waylaid by the Tarok-speaking militia, which led to the death of 6 soldiers and missing of 4 of their men. Amidst fire exchange, according to Daily Trust’s suggestion the soldiers ought not to have fired back. That’s unprofessional of the soldiers.
Does Daily Trust know that the so-called “Chief” of Kadarko, Lot Nden, installed himself as such after the killing in2002 of the Sarkin Kadarko, Malam Gambo Shehu? Since then, “Chief” Nde has been coordinating the expansion of what they like to call “The Tarok Nation”, which methods include attacking and renaming of neighbouring villages and cattle rustling. Again Beni Lar, (she, not he), who represents Langtang north and south in the House of Representatives, vowed to report the Nigerian Army to the ICC at The Hague. Now, isn’t someone out there curious to know what has she got to do with something that happened in Wase, whose representative, Ahmed Idris, has since brought the matter to the attention of the House? Isn’t this the case of crying more than the bereaved or taking analgesics for someone’s headache? She’s not herself because the matter involves her tribe’s militia. If not, why didn’t she say anything about the infamous Baga Massacre in Borno State, for example? While I agree with Daily Trust Editorial that the matter be thoroughly investigated and those indicted be made to face the law, the world must also be made to know that the militiamen in this case are the law enforcement agents in virtually all the villages in Kadarko District of Wase LGA. They arrest, cane, break limbs and even kill people, depending on the gravity of their perception of one’s alleged crime and as measured by their Chief Lot Nden.

Tanimu Ibrahim Gambo, No. 37A, Emir Street, Wase Plateau State<[email protected]>