By Talatu Maiwada
The Tsobo Community Development Association has called for urgent government intervention and a neutral investigation into recent communal clashes involving Tsobo and Bachama communities in Adamawa.
Mr Nathaniel Solomon, Chairman of the association made the call at a press briefing on Monday in Yola.
Solomon urged the government authorities to deploy an independent assessment delegation to affected areas.
“We request a neutral and trustworthy assessment delegation with no Bachama representatives to visit the affected communities, document the extent of destruction and recommend adequate and fair compensation for all victims, to ensure lasting peace,” he said.
Solomon also appealed to local and international humanitarian organisations to provide urgent assistance to Tsobo communities affected by the attacks.
According to him, the Tsobo people desire peace but cannot live under fear and neglect, stressing that justice and fairness were essential for reconciliation.
Solomon said the communities historically coexisted as one people, but recent events, particularly the latest violence, had deepened tensions and eroded trust.
He acknowledged the intervention of Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri during the July crisis, noting that the Tsobo community exercised restraint in the hope of peace.
The chairman, however, alleged that attacks persisted despite peace meetings convened by the governor and mediation efforts by the Adamawa State Peace Commission.
He said other interventions, included mediation by the Gongola Peoples for Mediation Initiative and the signing of a peace accord under the Adamawa State Police Command.
Solomon lamented that no government delegation had visited the affected Tsobo communities for on-the-spot assessment since the incidents.
He added that no formal damage assessment had been conducted and no relief materials delivered.
The association appealed to Gov. Fintiri to use his office to ensure justice and facilitate a lasting resolution between the communities.
He called on the Federal Government to deploy additional security personnel and ensure impartial, professional conduct by security agencies.
He further appealed to National Emergency Management Agency(NEMA) and State Emergency Management Agency(SEMA) for urgent humanitarian assistance, including food, shelter and medicals for affected communities.(NAN)