Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Babangida Nguroje, has warned residents and stakeholders in Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State against allowing the recent unrest to destroy the peaceful relationship built among communities over the years.
Nguroje, the Garkuwan Sardauna, said the priority should now be to prevent further bloodshed, restore calm and create an atmosphere for dialogue among the parties involved.
He urged all sides to exercise restraint and allow law enforcement agencies to restore order, stressing that violence could neither resolve the dispute nor advance the interests of the affected communities.
In a statement, Nguroje appealed specifically to the people of Mbamnga, Mbara and Geroji to embrace peace and genuine reconciliation.
He said the destruction of lives and property would only deepen divisions and push the affected communities further away from development.
The former Deputy Speaker commended the Sardauna Local Government leadership for its prompt response to the unrest and urged stakeholders to follow established procedures in resolving their differences.
Nguroje also praised traditional institutions in the affected areas for their longstanding contribution to maintaining peace, urging traditional rulers to use their influence to promote reconciliation and discourage further tension.
He said the unity that existed in Sardauna before the unrest must be restored and protected, warning that no disagreement should be allowed to destroy relationships among neighbouring communities.
Nguroje further commended Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, for his efforts to maintain peace across the state.
He said Taraba’s tradition of peaceful coexistence must be preserved, urging residents and leaders to avoid actions capable of portraying any part of the state negatively.
While describing the unrest as unfortunate, Nguroje said disagreements were inevitable in society but should be settled through dialogue, tolerance and lawful processes.
He condoled with families who lost loved ones and urged all stakeholders to work collectively towards lasting peace.
According to him, restoring peace in Sardauna is not only about ending the immediate unrest but also about preserving the unity and development of the communities for future generations.