Governor Bala Mohammed has suspended the Emir of Misau, Alhaji Ahmad Suleiman and other traditional rulers in the local government and also inaugurated a 13-man administrative committee of inquiry to look into the recent clash that erupted between Fulani herders and farmers in Misau local government area.
More than 9 persons were killed while others were seriously injured following a communal clash that broke out in Zadawa village of Misau local government area of Bauchi state.
While inaugurating the committee on Friday at the Government House Bauchi, Governor Mohammed said that following the additional petitions received in Chiroma district, Galala, Shalo, Bagarati and other places, it decided to suspend the relevant traditional institution in the area, so that they will not interfere with the work of the committee of inquiry.
The Governor ordered the suspended traditional rulers to remain in the local government, saying that they are not allowed to go anywhere and must subject themselves to the committee, adding that by the powers conferred on him in the 25 Laws of Northern Nigeria 1963, applicable to Bauchi state and Section 33 of the Law of Bauchi state 1991, he decided to set up the administrative Committee of inquiry.
“I am deeply convinced with the calibre of persons in this committee, especially its members. The committee will investigate the root cause of this unfortunate happening and of course other areas that I mentioned in Chiroma district where this is likely to happen due to injustice and inequality and flagrant abuse of land Act and land that are reserved just for the herders, that were confiscated without due regard to the law.
“I want to assure the good people of Bauchi State that any persons or group of persons found to be directly or indirectly involved in causing this clash will be dealt with according to the laws of the land. There are no sacred cows in my government. Reports received from various sources revealed the involvement of local government officials and in fact, even the security agency and some disgruntled elements who masterminded the crisis,” he stated.
Responding, the Chairman of the committee, Air Commodore Tijjani Baba Gamawa (Rtd), said that the committee will do its assignment with diligence without fear or favour.
“We are not going to spare anybody found wanting in this dispute. We will carry out our job within the confines of the law and ensure peace and justice in the area,” he said.
