Adamawa State govt. intervenes in Lunguda/Waju Communities’ clash, sue for peace

July 16, 2020 –Following the communal clashes and unrest between Lunguda and Waju communities in Adamawa, the state government has called on members of both communities to embrace peace.

Deputy Governor of Adamawa, Mr Seth Crowther briefing newsmen on Thursday said he urged the Lunguda and Waja tribes to exercise restraint and prevent further a communal conflict .

The Humanitarian Post reports that violence had erupted between Lunguda in Guyuk and Waja in Lamurde local government areas over farmland disputes.

He also urged the affected communities to live in peace with one another and allow the law to take its course in all disagreements.

“I urge them to embrace the path of peace in resolving any difference, and promised to constitute a panel of enquiry to unravel the mystery behind the unending conflict,” he said.

On accusations that he took sides in the conflict, he said:” it is unfortunate for anyone or group of people to link me with the recent conflict.

“It is preposterous to imagine that I as Deputy Governor of the state would engage in that ungodly act.

“The crisis in Guyuk and Lafiya has cost lives and destruction of properties. This is bad and unfortunate, because as an ordinary citizen of the state, I am not happy about the situation.

“The allegation is the handiwork of detractors with no iota of truth.

“The Lunguda are my people just same as the Waja are my people. I can not choose one and leave the other.

“Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri and I are committed to finding lasting peace in the area,” he said.

Gov. Fintiri has approved the immediate constitution of a Special Administrative Panel to investigate a lingering crisis between Lunguda and Waja communities in Dumna District of Guyuk Local Government Area.

The Special Administrative Panel is chaired by Gen. Harris Dzarma (rtd), with Archbishop Musa Panti Fillibus (President of the Lutheran World Federation) as a member.

Other members are Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza (Catholic Bishop of Yola and the state Chairman of CAN), as well as Alhaji Gambo Jika, Imam Bappare Umar Kem and Pastor

Emmanuel Kwagherga.

The State’s Permanent Secretary (Security), Polycarp Ayuba will serve as the Secretary of the panel