In 2001 the peaceful atmosphere of the capital city of Peace and Tourism was enveloped in billows of
smoke inflamed by ethnic-religious passion which started in Jos, later spread to Yelwa town in Shendam
Local Government Area, then relocated to Wase Local Government Area before escalating across the
entire Southern Zone and Kanam Local Government Area in Central Zone of Plateau State..
The multiplier effects of the crisis has adverse consequences on social stability. Many settlements were sacked due to attacks and counter attacks by waring communities. Human lives with properties were
destroyed. Many people fled from their homes for safety in neighbouring States. The International
community expressed concerns that the deplorable humanitarian conditions deserved urgent intervention
to forestall another civil strife.
Consequently, the Federal Government declared state of emergency, dissolved political structures which
was replaced with Sole Administrator. To ensure restoration of peace and reconciliation, Peace Summit was held. After exhaustive deliberations the resolutions of the Conference was gazetted in a document
titled "Plateau Speaks".
Following this Law, the State Government in 2006 created Kadarko Chiefdom from Wase Emirate with a
Second Class. Then in 2007, the Government suspended the Chiefdom and Districts. Sadly too is the
fact that far reaching decisions contained in this piece of legislation has been banished in unattended
archives. Southern Plateau has witnessed considerable harmony since 2005 until recently when developments in
Wase Local Government Area contradicted it. It all started with reports of isolated killings of people by
what is termed unknown gunmen, which revolves around Tarok and Fulani people.. One thing that
remains notorious of all these killings was the criminal element because almost all the victims were
dispossessed of their properties.
The killing of nine Fulani herdsmen who were returning from Wadata Garga Market in Kadarko Chiefdom but were ambushed in Kurmi village of Taraba state. Media reports of this ugly scene insinuated ethnic
dimension instead of evaluating the patten of the attack which concentrates on material dis possession
of the victims. The media report introduced suspicion by fanning embers of discord between the tarok
and Fulani in Kadarko Chiefdom as people started fleeing from their houses to safer places for fear of
reprisal attacks. As this state of uncertainty continues, leaders of both sides engaged themselves in
efforts aimed at fostering understanding. The security from both Taraba and Plateau States took steps to forestall outbreak of any crisis. Indeed, it paid off as calm returned while those who fled had started
returning back to their houses..
Suddenly on Saturday, 16th March 2013, two Tarok men were killed behind Wase Rock along Kadarko
road while returning from annual cultural festival of Lyangyit people. They were disposes of their
motorcycle. The following day Security agents with families of the deceased visited the scene of the
incidence, while tracing the tyre marks of the stolen motorcycle it led them to a nearby settlement. On approaching it the people organised and repelled them. Pandemonium later enveloped subsequently
resulting into siege until Area Commander re-enforced from Langtang to rescue them.
Thereafter two copses of Fulani herdsmen were found around Mavou area also killed by unknown
gunmen. The next day another Tarok man was also found dead along the same axis. Then came an
incidence where Tarok people were attacked in Mavo market place leaving many dead while some
injured. This was the last straw that broke the Carmel's back. Consequently, Mavou village was set ablaze by unknown gunmen leaving high human casualties. Since then it has been attack of one village
or the other with casualty toll on the increased. The situation has degenerated into humanitarian crisis
while anarchy is gradually taking the centre stage. As it is now the crisis has escalated to Langtang
North, some parts of Shendan and Langtang South Local Government Areas. It is clear that agents of
disharmony had taken refuge under criminal activities to puncture the fragile peace enjoyed in Plateau
South. If Caesar has murdered sleep then he will sleep no more. Whatsoever the grievances that existed it is no justification for resumption of blood letting.
Another factor at play is politics of self determination which has been responsible for re-occurance of
instability in the area. It is worthy of note that the on going Chiefdoms and Districts creation appears
contributory to fueling mutual distrust amongst the people. The revisiting of the exercise by the State
Government is more or less dangling campaign carrot for the forth coming local government elections.
There is indeed no moral justification for this carnage except political reasons. It is incumbent that all waring groups sheath all swords by embracing peace. The shedding of innocent blood will only desecrate
the sanctity of human life which will do us no good. Infact, there is no alternative to peaceful co-
existence. Therefore, I challenged the traditional and political leadership to be sincere in addressing the
conflict, as deceit will only aggravate the situation. We must embrace the value of tolerance as
foundation for genuine reconciliation.
Iam appealing to the media to demonstrate professionalism in managing the situation as desirable service to humanity. I paid tribute to all the victims of this man made conflict and pray God to repose
their souls, amen.
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