Commission of Inquiry in to Chogbo-Tingno communal clashes visit affected villages

By Isa Tukur

Members of the Commission of Inquiry in to the Chogbo-Tingno, communal clashes in Lamurde local government area of Adamawa state led by its Chair-person Justice Hapsat Abdulrahman Adamu along-side some team of lawyers representing various interest groups on Tuesday visited the villages affected by the crises to see for themselves and assess the level of destruction.

Also on the entourage of the members are the Area Commandant Nigeria Police, Numan Command, and the Divisional Police Officer of Lamurde local government, some officers of the Nigerian Army as well as some other security outfits in the area.

On the arrival, the team visited Chitto Tindum and Chitto Gangare areas where it was alleged that over two hundred people died during the incident.

Other areas visited included Bandawa, Nasarawa, Unguwan Turawa, Takare and Unguwan P.W.

The team also visited Tingno Market where the crises was alleged to have stated before it spread to other areas as well as some Mosques and Churches destroyed during the crises.

Addressing leaders of the different ethnic groups in the area, Justice Hapsat Adamu said the present administration in the state is committed to ensuring restoration of peace and peaceful co-existence in the area and Adamawa at large.

Justice Hapsat warned them to desist from taking the law in to their hands and respect to the appropriate authority and sign of breach of peace for necessary action.

The Chair-person assured them that the commission will ensure fairness and justice to all groups and appealed to them to support return of peace in the area.

In their separate response some village and ward heads, religious leaders as well as representatives of Women and Youths groups thanked Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for his effort at restoring peace in the area.

The leaders urged the commission of inquiry to recommend to government to provide more security personnel in the area.

ABC correspondent Isa Tukur who was on the entourage of the members of the commission reports that leaders of various groups have unanimously agreed to continue to preach peace, tolerance and understanding among their followers.