Evil Can Never Triumph
Being Text Of A State Broadcast By His Excellency, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, Governor Of Nasarawa State On The Violent Crisis That Engulfed Odobu, Obi And Assakio Communnities Of The State Between Thursday, 12th And Monday, 16th September, 2013
Fellow citizens of Nasarawa State.
2. Once again, the dictate of public responsibility compels me to
address you on the state of affairs following events that unfolded in
our beloved State a few days ago.
3. It would be recalled that between Thursday, 12th and Monday, 16th
September, 2013, while I was away for medical attention abroad,
violence was unleashed on the Odobu, Obi and Assakio communities of
the State by the forces of darkness, otherwise known as the Ombatse
Militia.
4. On my return from the trip, I was briefed by His Excellency, the
Deputy Governor, as well as Heads of Security Agencies in the State on
the reign of terror visited on the peace-loving people of our dear
State.
5. I commend the Deputy Governor for promptly making a State broadcast
to appeal for cessation of hostilities and restoration of peace in the
affected communities. I also salute the security agencies for the
diligence with which they handled the situation.
6. Consequent upon the reports received, I personally undertook
on-the-spot visits to Assakio, Odobu and Obi to appraise the level of
destruction on lives and properties as a result of the unfortunate,
callous and senseless activities of a proscribed group that has since
lost its humanity and fully embraced Satanism. It is, indeed, a tragic
story.
7. I have also visited Namu in Plateau State, Keana and Agwatashi to
sympathise with the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). In response
to their plight, Government has since procured and delivered relief
materials to the various camps.
8. In the course of my visitation, I came face-to-face with the
unprecedented devastation, pain and agony brought upon the people of
Assakio again barely a year after a similar attack on the same
community by the same group.
9. I have also seen the evil perpetrated against the defenceless
people of Odobu village and Obi town. Indeed, I have seen the palpable
sorrow on the faces of displaced persons who have lost everything and
have taken temporary refuge in Namu, Lafia, Keana, Agwatashi and
elsewhere.
10. The extent of mayhem unleashed on the people of the affected
communities, as well as other innocent citizens visiting Nasarawa
State from other parts of the country is, by far the worst
demonstration of barbarism ever witnessed in our history as a State.
It, therefore, stands roundly condemned by all sane and rational
people who uphold the creed of civilization.
11. I, on behalf of the Government and people of Nasarawa State
express our deep sympathy with all bereaved families, the injured and
those who have lost their property in this ugly incident. May the
souls of those who died rest in peace. May God Almighty recompense
those who lost their beloved ones and belongings.
12. I, however, wish to assure all and sundry that Government has
since taken appropriate measures to overcome the situation.
Accordingly, security personnel have been deployed to the affected
areas, including those susceptible to threats of attack.
13. I wish to express the profound appreciation of the Government and
people of Nasarawa State to His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele
Jonathan, GCFR the President, Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces of
the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the deployment of military
personnel to restore normalcy in the trouble spots.
14. May I also immensely thank our Traditional Rulers, Community and
Religious Leaders for their tireless efforts towards ensuring peace
and harmonious co-existence amongst our diverse communities in the
State.
15. Let me also appreciate the support given by the Government and
good people of Plateau State, especially Namu community of Quaan-Pan
Local Government Area to the displaced persons from Assakio.
16. My dear brothers and sisters of Nasarawa State, I urge us all to
continue to avail the Federal Government and the law enforcement
agents our full cooperation and support towards attaining sustainable
peace.
17. In this vein, Government is constrained to take certain drastic
measures, not because it wants to punish the people, but it intends to
prevent a re-occurrence of violence in the entire State.
18. Consequently, Government has decided to ban the movement of
motorcycles between 7:00pm and 6:00am in Awe, Doma, Keana, Lafia, Obi,
Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Areas of the State. Security
operatives have been directed to deal with anyone found violating this
prohibition.
19. To the people of Nasarawa State, let me reiterate that Government
will not rest on its oars until the perpetrators of the dastardly act
are made to face the full wrath of the law.
20. At this juncture, I call on all well-meaning citizens and
communities to continue to be vigilant and remain steadfast in prayers
in our collective resolve to bring back love, peace and progress to
our beloved State for the good of all.
21. Finally, I urge all and sundry to go about their lawful businesses
without the fear of molestation. We must always remember that Nasarawa
is our God-given State. We must protect her while also being one
another’s keeper.
22. May God protect us all and preserve Nasarawa State.
23. Thank you.
