…says, ‘It portrays Nigeria in bad light
From: Bimbola Oyesola
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has condemned last weekend’s killings and destruction of lives and property at Mambilla Plateau in Sardauna Local Council of Taraba State involving the Fulanis and Mambilla ethnic groups.
The labour group noted that the killings portrayed Nigeria in a bad light before the international community.
The TUC, in a statement by its President Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Secretary-General, Musa-Lawal Ozidi, called for punitive measures against perpetrators o the dastardly act, saying that the killings and destruction of livestock and other valuables had brought to mind series of similar killings across the country.
“The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria is saddened by the fact that the peaceful co-existence that once existed among Nigerians is gradually fading out for reasons best known to those who perpetuate the dastardly act”, it stated.
It however said that something drastic has to be done to put a stop to it, otherwise necessary development will elude the nation.
The Congress added that it is only in the atmosphere of peace that the country can talk of development, as no investor invests in a crisis-ridden environment.
It stated further, “We sincerely condole with the like of the Ambassador to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Alhaji Hassan Jika Ardo, who is reported to have lost over 40 relations and cows numbering over 500 to the crisis.
“Of course, it is possible some people may have lost more. It is unfortunate that while we battle the Boko Haram sect other deadly issues are rearing their ugly heads.”
The TUC also commended the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for providing relief assistance to persons affected by the crisis. It also commended the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Moslem Council of Nigeria (MCN) for their efforts to reconcile the two ethnic groups.
“Meanwhile, we insist that perpetrators of the dastardly act be brought to book as it will speedy up the reconciliation process. The over 12, 000 displaced persons should also be taken care of.”, it stated.