This mindless violence must stop now
After an exhaustive day at the university, engrossed in research work, I returned home tired on Monday, March 18th, 2024. As I prepared to retire for the night, I perused my Facebook account, hoping to reconnect with friends and stay abreast of community developments. To my dismay, I learned that violence had once again erupted in Mararaban-Udege, Nasarawa LGA, Nasarawa State resulting in the tragic loss of life, numerous injuries, and significant property damage. Acting swiftly, Hon. Mohammed Sani Otto, Chairman of Nasarawa LGA, enforced a dusk-to-dawn curfew to quell further unrest, deploying security personnel to restore order. Fortunately, peace has since been restored, and normalcy has returned to the town, with business activities resuming. Kudos to the Chairman for his timely action and averting what would have been a bloodbath.
The recent conflict in Mararaban-Udege is purportedly rooted in a dispute over farmland, prompting reflection on the age-old question: “How much land does man truly need”? In a community comprising traditionalists, Christians, and Muslims, all sharing beliefs in the afterlife, the emotional attachment to land seems paradoxical, given its transient nature. The sentimental value placed on land has tragically escalated into bloodshed nationwide, as noted by Reuben Abati (PhD) in his column on ThisDay, where he observes that land disputes lie at the heart of communal clashes, indigene/settler tensions, and farmer-herder conflicts across Nigeria.
As a native of Mararaban-Udege, I am deeply saddened and troubled by recent events. The recurrent loss of life and property demands immediate resolution to prevent further escalation into full-blown communal violence, “God forbid bad thing” as we always say. However, in a country rife with social inequality, injustice, and security challenges that strain law enforcement agencies, the potential for unrest looms large. Addressing underlying grievances and holding perpetrators accountable within the confines of the law are imperative steps toward lasting peace.
What alarms me most is the resurgence of violence driven by ethnic bigotry and bloodlust, disrupting the peace of a community where diverse ethnic groups have coexisted harmoniously for decades. Regrettably, it is the poor of our society and expendable youths that do the fighting while those supplying the AK-47 and fanning the embers of disunity are secure in their homes knowing that they and members of their immediate families are far away from the violence. And that nobody would try to fish them out for punishment as they are now above the laws of the land, and some even enjoy government patronage.
In this moment of anger and pain, I urge for restraint from all sides. The Osu Ajiri, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Halilu Bala Usman, has intervened severally on this matter all to no avail. I am also aware that the former Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi also tried to mediate between the feuding parties and a reprieve was gotten. If recent events prove anything, it is that mediation and diplomacy (carrot approach) have failed. Therefore, Governor Abdullahi A. Sule as the Chief Security Officer of the state must as a matter of urgency step in and bring an end to this cycle of violence. The perpetrators and instigators are known and roaming free, it is time to wield the big stick and bring them to book. They must all be made to dance to the music regardless of their status or affiliations.
For those who allow themselves to be willing tools, remember this, if you get killed, your children will grow up without their fathers, and your wives will become widows. In the event you are not married and without kids, you will leave your parents and loved ones heartbroken and if you believe in life after death, where would the angle of judgement send you to? Let us collectively embrace peace and reject all forms of violence, fostering a future of harmony and coexistence.
