By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
A socio-cultural group, Tangale Community Overseas (TCO) has called on Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State to set up a committee to investigate the unprovoked attacks on Tangale communities in recent weeks and stop claiming reprisal, as Tangale people have no history of carrying out attacks on any community.
General Secretary of the group, Lamela Umaru Lakorok, made the call when TCO visited the two attacked communities, Amtawalam and Pobawure, to commiserate with them, as well as distribute the sum of one million Naira (N1 million) to victims of the attacks, donated by the group.
The General Secretary said the TCO was disturbed by the attack and felt they should send their contributions to the victims, saying whatever affects people at home to them, also affects them overseas.
While saying the proposal by the state government to establish a mobile police base in the attacked area is a welcome development, he cautioned that the proposal should not be replaced with the establishment of a police outpost, which will not have the capacity to check attacks by marauders.
Mr. Lakorok also called on the Tangale community to develop a strong security network and vigilante system that will check and defend the land in the event of unprovoked attempt on people of the land.
He praised the District Head of Kalmai, Mr. Amadu Zubairu, for his fatherly role, as well as visiting the areas in the wake of the attack, describing him as the type of leader needed in Tangale land.
“We were unsettled when we heard about the attacks and so we came to support you with a token of one million Naira, which will be distributed directly to victims immediately.
“We commiserate with you and the whole Tangale community, and pray that God will forestall any further attacks on the Tangale land and its people.
“The TCO calls on the government to expedite action in setting up the proposed mobile police base, hoping that the proposal will not be replaced with a small unit police outpost.
“The TCO also calls on Governor Inuwa Yahaya to redeem the promise of one million Naira (N1 million), which he made when he visited these communities, but is yet to redeem. We remind him that these are victims of unprovoked attacks, and so, he should not play politics with them in redeeming the pledge,” the group said.
Speaking during the visits, acting President of Tangale Community Development Association (TCDA), Mr. Pinas Tidgo Gambo, who expressed dismay, called on Tangale sons and daughters to always support one another in times of difficulty.
While praising the TCO for showing practical love and identifying with victims, Mr. Gambo called on other well to do Tangale sons and daughters to come to the aid of Amtawalam and Pobawure.
“Our children living overseas have demonstrated to us that their hearts are at home. This action of theirs is what we call practical love – only a person who has you at heart can do this. We call on other well to do Tangale sons and daughters to emulate what the TCO did and come to support the people of Amwatalwam and Pobawure.
“The Tangale people are peace-loving in their very nature and we have a record of living cordially with our neighbors.
“We don’t have a record of carrying out attack on anyone, so those who describe this action as reprisal, should also be quick to name the community we have attacked, or burnt their property,” he demanded.
In a remark, Mr Iliyasu Ali, who represented the District Head of Kalmai, expressed appreciation, saying the gesture will go a long way in aiding victims of the attacks.
Some of the benefitting victims who spoke, thanked members of TCO for supporting them and prayed that God will continue to bless all Tangale sons and daughters in diaspora.
