From: Gyang Bere, Jos
The Berom ethnic nationality, in Plateau State, have raised the alarm over illegal imposition of traditional rulers in Jos, the state capital.
They warned their Afizere neighbours to stop struggling with them over the ownership of Jos, an area that had been plagued by communal and religious crisis.
The ownership of the city had caused ethno-religious conflict between 1994 and 2011, especially among the Hausa, Berom, Anaguata and Afizere, leading to loss of life and property.
The Berom group, at a news conference, on Monday, in Jos, said unless the government intervened, there would likely be a clash.
They warned the Afizere to stop claiming ownership of land in Jos-Bukuru metropolis, to prevent fresh trouble in the state.
Speaking under the umbrella of Berom Educational and Cultural Organisation (BECO), the Berom accused the Afizere of taking steps that showed their intention to take over Berom land.
BECO National President, Da Erickson Fom, who read a statement, said: “Some of the concerns of the Berom and uncomplimentary and provocative actions of the Afizere in recent times include the deliberate misconception and misrepresentation of historical facts over land ownership, names and rulership of Berom villages, such as Laranto, Alheri, Jishe and Dong.
“The abuse of local government authority by past and present council chairmen of Afizere extraction to create, recognise and support parallel positions of village and ward heads in favour of the Afizere.”
The Berom added: “We shall continue to stand by the truth and work for peace through collaboration with stakeholders. However, we shall resist falsehood and deliberate attempts to adulterate or dilute history for selfish and parochial interest.”
Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Simon Lalong, Mr. Mark Longyen, said: “The governor does not discriminate against any of the 53 ethnic groups, rather, he has built bridges of unity among them, resulting in the peace being enjoyed.”