Political parties taking part in the re-run election in Taraba State, this Saturday, have been called upon to play the game according to the laid down rules.
The State Independent Peace Committee, in a statement, yesterday, in Jalingo, urged all the political actors that would be participating in the exercise to allow the people to freely make their choice through the ballot.
[ad]
Coordinator of the committee, Prof. Talla Ngarka, said: “Peace, everywhere in the state, is our concern. We want to appeal to the House of Representatives candidates and political parties taking part in the election to be peaceful and allow the people to freely make their choice in the election.”

The re-run election for Takum/Donga/Ussa Federal Constituency will hold in Chanchanji ward of Takum Local Council and Kwesati ward in Ussa Local Council, as well some polling units in Bete and Fete wards of Takum.

Condemning the recent killings and destruction of property in Ussa and Bali local councils, the committee frowned on the way some individuals frustrate peace in the areas.

“It is sad that while we are making efforts to galvanise citizens’ support for a peaceful Taraba State, crisis erupted again in Ussa, claiming many lives, rendering others homeless, while property worth millions of Naira were destroyed,” Ngarka said.

The committee, according to the statement, received news of yet another breach of peace in Dugwer community of Bali, where one person was killed and many injured in a forceful attempt to take over land belonging to residents.

While condemning the incidents, the committee called on security agencies that are already investigating the incidents to do due diligence and restore peace in the affected communities.

It stressed the need for the state government to be proactive, affirming that “government must take responsibility and ensure the safety of life and property, not only in Ussa, but in the entire state.”

Urging the governor to wade into the alleged forceful eviction of the people of Dugwer community and ensure justice, Ngarka added: “If in any case the government is interested in acquiring the land housing Dugwer community, as it is being alleged, due process should be followed in the interest of peace and development.”
[ad]