Taraba State

By Uzair Adam Imam 

Bandits have invaded a mosque at Maisamari town in Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State and killed Alhaji Abdulkadir Maisamari, a district head.

A source disclosed that Maisamari was shot dead during Ishai prayers on Monday night.

The bandits were reported to have opened fire shortly as they roamed the prayer ground. 

However, residents reportedly confronted the gunmen, forcing them to run for their lives. 

The bandits were also said to have fled into a mountain close to the town.

The Taraba State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Usman Abdullahi, confirmed the incident to journalists. 

By Aisha Ahamd Jalingo

I barely have many memories of him beyond his signature, white clothes and red cap because I was a child when he passed away, but my husband insisted that I write a tribute for him today, being 11 years since his demise. All I know is Baba was an inspirational personality which means different things to different people. A father with a great sense of humour, a mentor that gave his all irrespective of differences in ideology or creed, and a unionist who fought to protect all till his last breath.

Everyone who knows him at Bayero University will always say how he jokes around with everyone. Whether you were his students, who I heard would rush to M block for his lectures because of how educative and entertaining his classes were, or his colleagues who always ran to him to seek support, morally or otherwise. He treated everyone equally with respect.

During his lecture, he would have the theatre filled with some students not because they registered for the course but only to listen to him speak.  Baba Jalingo was very religious. It is his norm to go to the BUK Central mosque for Magrib prayer and wait till after Ishaa before returning home. A pillar in the mosque is called ‘fillar Jalingo,’ meaning Jalino’s pillar. He would sit there from Magrib till Ishaa. I once saw someone write on Twitter that no one even dares sit in that spot, as when he arrives, he jokingly asks the person to get up. 

His kindness knows no bounds. One memory of his that keeps coming to mind is that whenever we travel home to Jalingo, we normally stop at Gombe to stretch our legs, pray, and eat at a particular filling station. Baba would sit with the people there and chat. He would buy what they are selling, most of which we don’t need. I heard an incident when Baba and our Mom were returning to Kano. Unfortunately, they had a flat tire in a village, Durbunde, just after Gwaram. He met a man who helped them fix the tire. Since then, he always stops at the village to see him, till date that man still visits our family. He named his son after Baba Jalingo when he passed away, named his daughter after mother and recently named another daughter after me.

The same thing happens around Dakatsalle just before Kano. When returning from Kaduna or Abuja, Baba would stop and sit with all those selling chickens, vegetables, fish and whatnot. He usually tells them, “kaima kawo abin da kake sayarwa” (“you too bring what you sell”). He will come home with so many things. 

When it comes to supporting family, I have never seen anyone who supports his family like Baba Jalingo. I know he helped my mother up to the rank of Professor, which she earned shortly after his death.  I heard he often travelled with her to Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, when pursuing her PhD. He was her biggest cheerleader through it all.

I can remember the last incident when she was the HOD of the Economics Department, Bayero University, Kano. A conference was organised in the department, and he was then the vice-chancellor of Taraba state University. I remember him coming to Kano to attend the conference, and he was among the first to arrive, sitting in front with his signature white clothes and red cap.

He often travelled back from Taraba State for the termly visits to our school. Baba never got tired. I remember his last visit passionately during our Qur’anic graduation ceremony. In the picture, I can never forget smiling when he was called to give a speech all over the place. I could not remember what the speech was all about. All I know was he talked for a while, returned to his seat at the front row, walked back on the stage, and took a group picture with all of us when we were called for our recitation.

It was after his death we realised how much he had been sponsoring and taking care of other families without the knowledge of anyone. That is the kind of man Baba was. He made all of my siblings, and I feel special, that every one of us considers ourselves to be his favourite, though I firmly believe it is me because he calls me “kingin Baba.”

Late Prof. Ahmadu Usman Jalingo, fondly called “Baba Jalingo” by everyone close to him, was a UK-trained political scientist, a veteran, a renowned scholar, a great man who played it all around. A veteran unionist and academic per excellence who raised through the rank and became one of the earliest political science professors in Northern Nigeria. Baba was the secretary to the State Government old Gongola and Vice-Chancellor of Taraba State University, a position he held until his death.

Baba was very close to Malam Aminu Kano. He was, precisely, Malam’s personal secretary. I can remember loads of Malam Aminu Kano’s personal diaries we found in his estate when he passed, which my Mom officially wrote and handed them over to the centre for Democratic Research, Mambayya house. In the tribute written by one of his students, Onoja, I read that Baba Jalingo confided in him that the one thing Malam Aminu Kano had in excess was socks. He says he never wore the same socks twice.

He was among the 49 men committee under the able leadership of Chief Rotimi Williams, Alhaji Idris Gidado, secretary, established in September 1975. This committee was the brains behind the creations of ‘CLUB NINETEEN MOVEMENT’ and the ‘NATIONAL MOVEMENT’. Malam Aminu Kano and many northern representatives created the ‘’National movement in Lagos. They later changed its face to become a political party named the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). The National Movement launched recently was originated from the work of this committee. 

Baba Jalingo was a man of the people, loved and respected by all. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 1, 2011. March 1, 2022, marked 11 years since his death, but his memories are still very much fresh in our hearts. We will forever live in his image and will in sha Allah continue with his legacy. 

Rest on Baba, till we meet in Jannah….where we will be reunited forever in sha Allah

Aisha Ahamd Jalingo (Mrs) sent this article via jalingoaysha@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Sabiu

A fire has damaged yam tubers worth millions of naira at a market in Taraba State’s Wukari Local Government Area.

Although the cause of the outbreak, which occurred at midnight on Saturday, is unknown, Anthony Agbu, the Chairman of the Yam Sellers Association in the state, stated that there was a major misunderstanding between farmers and sellers, which may have led to the incident.

According to Agbu, this is the 14th instance of its kind this year, with the majority of them occurring after harvest.

The yam dealers and farmers have appealed to the government for assistance, claiming that they have lost N200 million worth of tubers and motorcycles and wheat.

Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State has been accused of being a Muslim-hater. The allegation was made by an Islamic human rights organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) which claimed it has evidence that the governor has been sacking Muslim workers without following due process and replacing them with his Christian brethren.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the group on Wednesday, February 9, 2022. The statement was signed by the group’s director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

It reads:

“Contrary to the false public image of a Christian state governor who promotes peaceful and harmonious coexistence between Christians and Muslims under him, we have incontrovertible evidence that Governor Darius Ishaku has been using his office to put Muslims at a disadvantage through several administrative manoeuvres and misadventures.

“The governor recently claimed that the Taraba Muslim Council which accused him of marginalising Muslims in the state was inciting religious tension but that is far from the truth. The governor is simply trying to cover his tracks. But the wind has blown and we have seen the ruff of the hen.

“The truth is that Ishaku’s reckless violation of Allah-given fundamental rights of Muslims in his state is legendary. Although our office has been inundated with complaints of discrimination against Muslims, we will cite just one example today for the economy of space.

“The case of Mallam Nasiru Audu Baba is most striking. He was unceremoniously and illegally removed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Taraba Microfinance Bank Limited in 2012. But the governor suspended him from office in 2016 without any reason and without a board resolution. The Central Bank rejected the suspension on grounds of lack of due process.

“But Governor Ishaku ignored the Central Bank’s advice and went ahead to set up a kangaroo committee which, however, neither indicted Mallam Nasiru nor the board of the bank. Nevertheless, the governor illegally terminated Mallam Nasiru’s appointment. The termination of his appointment was retroactive as it was issued on 13^th February 2018 but with effect from 30^th September 2016. Expectedly, a Christian woman was appointed in his place.

“Though a federal high court gave judgement in favour of Mallam Nasiru and the board of the bank. Instead of obeying the court order, Taraba State Government went to the appellate court which ruled that the matter should be taken to the industrial court.

“Mallam Nasiru and the board headed to the Supreme Court which is yet to determine the case. This and many other atrocities were committed against Taraba Muslims by Governor Ishaku. Although the board of the MicroFinance Bank renewed his appointment for another five years, his suspension and subsequent backdated dismissal was a manifestation of tyranny while the appointment of a Christian in his place exposed the governor’s tortuous policy of religious discrimination and favouritism.

“Governor Ishaku thinks nothing can be done to him by the Muslims since he is rounding up his second term but he has miscalculated. Many past governors are in the senate today because of their good performance while in office. Some of them are also aspiring to become ministers or the president of Nigeria.

MURIC’s advice to governors who are Muslim-haters like Ishaku, Ortom, Wike and Seyi Makinde is that they should not attempt to occupy any federal office. We have blacklisted Muslim-haters and Nigerian Muslims will ensure that they never get there.”  

By Abdulrazak Iliyasu Sansani

I begin this piece with what may strike the readers as a puzzling title. Perhaps it is. But I write this is in respect of the festive period and a matter closely associated with it. It is that time of the year where organisations, newspapers, magazines, groups, and even individuals sit to award, eulogise their heroes and heroines, or write about their persons of the year. A tradition that commenced in 1927 in the United States, Time magazine. 

According to a Wikipedia entry, ‘The tradition of selecting a “Man of the Year” began in 1927, with Time editors contemplating the newsmakers of the year. The idea was also an attempt to remedy the editorial embarrassment earlier that year of not having aviator Charles Lindbergh on its cover following his historic trans-Atlantic flight. By the end of the year, it was decided that a cover story featuring Lindbergh as the Man of the Year would serve both purposes.

Since then, this has continued with different labels, such as Man of the Year, Woman of the year, until the current and apt denomination: Person of the Year. I write today in the euphoria of the moment. But not so engrossed with it, as I had never subscribed nor joined those who partake in awarding their persons of the year, which has become prominent on social media recently by this time of the year. I relish seeing people excel in life. Although, I had never felt the urge to engage in the voguish celebration by an avalanche of people who issue this award chiefly on social media. 

But experts say to every rule; there is an exception. Although, I am not joining the trendy giving of awards or rather announcement of one’s person of the year. I have to acknowledge one of the most disciplined, rational, affable, and respectful Nigerians I have ever met. At this distressing hour of our history as a nation, I believe it is only fitting that patriotic people who have exhibited unique understanding in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, sharply divided country like ours are honoured, encouraged, or at least merely mentioned as a mark of appreciation for their selfless contributions to our nation. Through the prism they behold our country, this country stands any chance of overcoming its insurmountable challenges. I am in awe of whoever has proven beyond any iota of doubt to be of a commendable grasp of the intricacies of our diverse society. Hence, I am writing this to recognise a man who has served this country meritoriously and honourably retired. 

While I applaud all these, it is in the basics that hold our communities today that this distinguished Nigerian has been more actively involved and has magnetised me to him. The simplest things build our society. They hold the fibre of our communities closely knit. Even though this is lost on many, I comprehend the importance of nation-building, starting from the communities. 

Nigeria as a whole has been sitting on a powder keg. This makes it extremely easy for disgruntled elements or even criminals to make capital out of it. So, whoever stops those from exploiting this deserves every reverence they can get. However, my person of the year, a man of impeccable character, has mastered the art of living in peace with others in a diverse country like Nigeria, especially the state he comes from: I am glad to hail from the same state as him. Yes, he comes from my state. He is Baba Augustine, commonly called Baban Ella in our neighbourhood, while we both refer to each other as Kawu, Baban Ella being a Jenjo man. 

I will, for this reason, address him as we usually call each other. Kawu lives in our Sabon Gari neighbourhood in Jalingo. More people don’t profess the same faith with him in our street. Muslims mainly own houses. Kawu is a Christian. It is now a time Muslims and Christians find themselves jostling to relocate to neighbourhoods predominantly occupied by those who worship God the way they do in fulfilment of the polarised realities of our country majorly resided by adherents of the two faiths. But as I was reliably informed, Kawu has resisted countless times the pleas to transpose by those who have accepted the new order of doing things. They believe it is safer to live in places inhabited only by members of their faiths. However, there is only a semblance of security in some instances, even in these types of neighbourhoods. 

The nitty-gritty of the matter is not that he has flagrantly refused to move into another place. But he has continued to relate with people from all social strata with unmatchable grace, sincerity, dignity, and esteem. Moreover, the way he attends to society’s problems is refreshing, laudable, and gratifying. Wedding ceremonies, naming ceremonies, burial ceremonies, community meetings; name them, he is there and participates fully with the families of those involved in any of these regardless of their faith.

While I don’t necessarily fancy awards, I get excited seeing worthy awardees being awarded or even merely celebrating people who have distinguished themselves by living exemplary lives irrespective of their pockets, which draws many awards to personalities rather than refined manners that help nation-building. 

Nigerians must celebrate worthy people like Kawu. But, Nigerians should not only stop at that. They should go further to borrow a leaf from them and apply it in the arduous task of nation-building, which must begin with one being a better person before influencing the next person, the family, the next-door neighbour, friends, colleagues, and the country as a whole. 

Abdulrazak Iliyasu Sansani wrote from Turaki B, Jalingo, Taraba State. He can be reached via abdulrazaksansani93@gmail.com.

On a day like this, three decades ago, Taraba State was created from the defunct Gongola State. Unarguably, one of the most promising states at the time of creation.  Being the third-largest state in Nigeria in terms of landmass, most of it being overly fertile. There is hardly a crop that grows in Nigeria that does not grow well in Taraba. In fact, many thrive best here.

While I cannot call myself an Agriculturist, I certainly know one or two things about farming being someone who is very proud of this profession and has had experiences that will forever remain green in my mind because of Agriculture. I am extremely passionate about Agriculture. I know the potentials that we have in Taraba. Unfortunately, states with far fewer potentials than Taraba have harnessed theirs and not Taraba for one reason or the other. 

Taraba state has tourist potentials that are unmatched in this country. It is aptly described as “Nature’s gift to the Nation”. As a result, we have some of the most beautiful places anyone can contemplate or dream of visiting in Nigeria. Travelling from: Sardauna to Zing, Ibi to Karim Lamido, Ussa to Yorro, Kurmi to Gassol. In fact, across the length and breadth of Taraba, all one sees is one of the most breathtaking scenery you can find in Nigeria.

The lush green countryside, amazing mountains, wonderful waterfalls, and sonorous birds give sounds that you may not be wrong to call music. Since my elementary music teacher taught me that music is the arrangement of sounds that are pleasant to the ears. On a serious note,  you have to fall in love with nature once in Taraba State; of course, I have done that. One has to. Taraba is that special: you can’t escape it.

Sadly, this has not translated to much development. I weep whenever I visit towns, villages, and hamlets in Taraba. I weep not only for the abundant natural resources being exploited but that should and would have been utilised for the benefit of all and the growing distrust and polarised nature of my dear state. Here are people who have refused to unite to defeat their common enemies: poverty, violence, unemployment, underdevelopment, drug abuse, kidnapping, etc. This shouldn’t be our reality.

Whoever fans the embers of disunity is not a good human being, to begin with, let alone being a good and responsible Taraban whether one is: a traditionalist, a Muslim, or a Christian. For God’s sake, we have all suffered for our failure to rise above prejudice, hate and do the needful for our dear state. We disappointedly all continue to play blame-games, while everything is ruined before our very eyes. Tarabans have to think and rethink whatever approach we have been using over the years have left a lot to be desired.

The truth is that we are all in this together. I know this for a fact because I get to mingle with Tarabans from all walks of life. My friend Jerry in Jalingo is no less a victim than my friend Ado in Yelwa, Sardauna local government. The old man I met in Dakka, Bali, local government struggling even at old age to feed his family is not different from the ones I meet in my hometown or any place I visit in Taraba.

The public primary schools in Jalingo, the state capital, don’t look much different from the ones in Borno Kurukuru, in Bali local government; the ones in Pantisawa In Yorro LGA and the ones in Kufai, Gassol local government, or anywhere in Taraba state. The difference is that some of our teachers do extraordinary things to nurture children that can become responsible citizens against all odds. So today, I pay tribute to our teachers and all those who defy all odds to develop our state. Thank you so much for your sacrifice and service to our dear State. 

The plain truth is that we are all victims in one or the other. Whether we agree or not, whatever faith we profess or the party we support. A selected few benefit in any state that constituted authorities have failed to live up to their responsibilities, and most of the time, even those that benefit the pleasure are ephemeral. 

We still have the opportunity to stem the tide and chart a new course for the only State we have and one that some of us love unconditionally. To change things for the better. But, we cannot do it alone. We must do it together: Christians, Muslims, and traditionalists. Until we unite, leaders or rulers will continue to exploit us and set us against one another. It is high time we commenced the building of a Taraba where merit matters and all Tarabans matter. A Taraba where things work and all that work hard within the ambit of the law can prosper without hindrance. A Taraba where the glass ceiling will be completely shattered. 

Happy 30th anniversary to my dear State, Taraba. You will be great despite all the apparent obstacles to stop that from coming to fruition no matter what happens. We will keep on trying until we get it right.

We today live in a state far more divided than ever. But I find solace that we still have good men and women from all parts of the state and of all religious beliefs who are sincerely ready to see a complete revamping of our dear State. These Tarabans give me hope. For just like me, most of them do not have a bean and have no political goals to pursue rather a whole state, and indeed, nation to build. 

I see hope boldly written on the face of my friend Jerry, a barber whose dream is to one day be a big employer of labour despite his financial constraints today. I  find strength in the words of my friend Abdulhamid who supports his family with the little that he has while working relentlessly with little dependence on the government.  

I know God willing things can and will change when Caleb, an ex-drug addict who has turned over a new leaf, advocates for peace and works towards our unity. Likewise, I believe we can change for the better when Zakiru freely works to better society and seeks success against all odds. Yes, Zakiru with even some hilarious jokes to it. 

I have no reason to believe things will continue the manner they are today, forever because of the realities of the moment. I know we can change. Although, the time is entirely dependent on how ready we are for that to happen as Tarabans. 

Today, I urge us all to mull over our challenges as a state. I plead with you all to reflect sincerely and see how we can all join hands to build the state that should be the envy of every state in the country because of our resources, which I know, once we get it right, Taraba will be the perfect example of how to move Nigeria forward being a state that can correctly be described as a mini Nigeria, with all that is inherent therein Nigeria. We must not fail our dear state as Tarabans; we have to stop failing this beautiful State now. 

Happy 30th anniversary Taraba State. God bless Taraba State, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Abdulrazak Iliyasu Sansani wrote from Turaki B, Jalingo, Taraba State.

By Abdulrazak Iliyasu Sansani 

The Emir of Muri, HRH Alhaji Abbas Njidda Tafida OFR, as it is the tradition, delivered an Eid ul-Adha speech to his subjects to celebrate the event. As it is the norm, the Emir does so in both of the Eids in his palace, in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital. Accordingly, the people of Muri Emirate every year eagerly look forward to attending his court to listen to his Eid speech for the contextual significance of such addresses. 

The last one which was delivered, after the Eid prayers, was not overly different from any he had made before in terms of the tone except for those, who had not been following the Emir’s activities, especially Sallah speeches. Sarkin Muri Alhaji Abbas Njidda Tafida OFR has been known to have a reputation for blunt speaking, fearlessness, and daring to a fault. He has indeed followed in the footsteps of his famous forefathers, Hamman Ruwa dan Usman, Abu Bakar dan Hamman Ruwa, Muhammadu Nya dan Abi Bakar, and his grandfather, Muhammadu Mafindi dan Muhammadu Nya and indeed, all other emirs of Muri emirate whose place in history has long been cemented for bravery. 

The names mentioned above are not the chronological representation of the noble people who have ruled Muri, the Emirs of Muri or rightly Lamibe Muri in Fulfulde. Instead, this is just a sample of the historical antecedents of the current Emir, which is apparent to many. So, this digression towards memory lane is for the consumption of those who barely know him. 

Lamido Abbas Njidda Tafida OFR has never been known to mince words. He spoke and spoke truth to power without any element of fear, which for me is the hallmark of a good leader. When I saw the video clip of the said speech the next day after Sallah, I listened to what I thought my leader or leaders anywhere should speak to a large extent in this highly demanding moment in our history as an independent entity.  Nigeria is on the edge of the precipice. I have always believed that the avalanche of security challenges bedevilling this country makes every contribution towards getting us out of the woods worth considering before making decisions. 

I believe the Emir of Muri was disappointed, appalled, and outraged at the spate of insecurity confronting his emirate in particular and the nation as a whole, which led him to deliver the speech. He acted as anticipated of leaders, especially of his nature, the traditional rulers, whom so many have opined to understand better their domains than any other constituted authority of whatever magnitude. Whereas this may not be applicable in all places, it is to a large extent. 

Yes, His Royal Highness, Lamido Alh Abbas Tafida OFR made some rather harsh points, which I understood as someone speaking from the point of view of a leader enraged by hardened criminals who have held our people to ransom. So, he made comments which were largely misconstrued or deliberately taken out of context to suit a specific agenda, script, or scheming of those who don’t mean well for anyone. Some tabloids, blogs, newspapers, etc., reported that the Emir of Muri had given a 30-day ultimatum to Fulani to leave his emirate or be evicted, eliminated, and all sorts of strong, wordy, and sensational headlines that are in line with what they perhaps want, which are all false.  

For some, it doesn’t matter the fact that the Emir of Muri himself is Fulani and could not have issued an ultimatum to all Fulanis, which will include himself. He won’t do that and not for any sentimental reason. But for equity and justice. He certainly won’t issue an ultimatum to any other tribe. However, this doesn’t matter to some, who are hell-bent on making the Fulanis scapegoats for every misfortune that befalls them. 

Of course, some so many kidnappers are Fulani by tribe, so many bandits are Fulanis, and indeed other criminal activities, which the Fulanis engage in. I can’t write any percentage here because I don’t know the percentage. However, it is also true that all tribes are involved in all of these acts of criminality. In light of this, I will concentrate on what directly connects to the speech made by our revered leader, the Lamido of Muri. It won’t be wide of the mark if the Fulanis are said to be the majority embroiled in all these. I think it is the crux of the matter being discussed, the Emir of Muri’s Sallah day speech. 

As a royal father, especially the overall leader of all Fulanis in Taraba State, it is only right that he spoke his mind and made it vivid that he is disappointed with those Fulanis who engage in these nefarious activities. This is the right step to take, and he boldly took it. But, unfortunately, it is left for others who prefer to play politics with everything to proceed when their houses are not just literally on fire but also their entire emirates, chiefdoms, kingdoms, local governments, states, or even the country as the case may be, is sitting firmly on a powder keg. 

If there is any moment to act, it is at this decisive moment. Any other moment we aren’t guaranteed. If the sight of a hapless woman running and leaving her children despite the well-known affection that exists between children and mothers, don’t throw you into inconsolable grief then, I am sure the sight of any of those condemned criminals harassing your loved ones while asking you to raise ‘astronomical figures’ in currency, at a time when feeding any meal at all three times a day is fast becoming the exclusive of a few: this is the height of callousness and should be collectively confronted by all citizens without adding any ethnic colouration to it. 

Criminals, as I have always maintained are nothing, but criminals. Any other thing is secondary. You may not understand this now. However, I pray you never have to face them, but asking anyone who has been a victim of kidnapping, banditry, or even terrorism knows for a fact that there is no special treatment for victims based on ethnicity, faith, or region, at least to the best of my knowledge based on my interactions with some victims and the literature I have consumed in that regards. Unique treatments are the only figment of the imagination of some of us law-abiding citizens, who those contemptible people haven’t caught, but sit behind their keyboards, write columns, or even go to national television to eulogise those criminals because of their ill-thought-out affinity with these beasts. When you are caught, God forbid, everything will be crystal clear. I hope it doesn’t get to that. 

It is not enough to merely hope. We are doomed if the only thing we could do is hope without holding our government accountable so they can do even more to win these wars. The worst mistake we could make is paying lip service to this predicament because our kinsmen are involved, some adherents of our faith are part of it, or to achieve a sinister motive. There is only one result coming our way with this mindset, a certain outcome of unimaginable proportion: by then, the deed would have been done, and we cannot turn the tide.

We must unite, cooperate with security personnel to arrest the array of security challenges we are battling with; when we fail to do so because we fear for our lives, we shouldn’t live under any illusion that we are secure with that miscalculation, for no one knows the next victim. But one thing is sure we will all die one day, for some of us, we believe at the appointed time. The bandits and terrorists that sack villages and go about maiming, eliminating, or leaving deep scars on us have one life too. However, with more beneficial civil-security relations and a better understanding among all Nigerians, we stand a tremendous chance of getting the right result. 

The Emir of Muri as a sage has come out to take practical steps. Where he erred in that speech by resulting in generalisation, the Emir has already made amends. He summoned a meeting of the Fulani leaders where he admonished them using verses from the Holy Qur’an and other sources of knowledge for the benefit of what we all seek, peace.  For his intentions from the get-go were clear. 

The speech was delivered to find lasting solutions and should be firmly situated in its context bearing in mind that we are on the verge of self-destruction as a nation. Therefore, it was done to seek the return of peaceful, serene, and lively emirate where people will go to sleep with their two eyes closed, where our widow’s mite would not be used to settle some kidnappers even when we are barely surviving, where criminals would not be given any breathing space because they are our relatives, purportedly share the same faith with us, or for whatever reason. I long for this day when criminals will be criminals and rightly dealt with as such. 

It should be noted that the vast majority of the Fulanis, like all other ethnic groups, are law-abiding citizens. Therefore, it is up to all Fulanis, the security personnel, and Nigerians, in general, to work amicably to return Nigeria to the path of sanity, meaningful life, and mutual respect for one another. May the reign of Emir of Muri, HRH Alh Abbas Njidda Tafida OFR belong, as he recently clocked 33 years on the throne of his forefathers.  May his Emirate continue to prosper, and may the good triumph over evil everywhere. 

Abdulrazak Iliyasu Sansani wrote from Tukari B, Jalingo, Taraba State. He can be reached via abdulrazaksansani93@gmail.com.