Members of the displaced Muslim community of Tafawa Balewa town have reminded the Bauchi State government of its earlier plan to resettle them in Zwall village to reconnect with their relations who are currently spread in various communities within and outside the state after a series of ethno-religious conflicts.
LEADERSHIP Weekend gathered that the call for resettlement came against the backdrop of the longstanding ethno-religious conflict in Tafawa Balewa town which led to loss of lives, displacement of many and destruction of worship centers and other valuable property.
The conflict, rooted in the division between the predominantly Muslim Hausa-Fulani and Christian Sayawa communities, has led to repeated violence over the years. For instance, in response to one of the major outbreaks of violence, Tafawa Balewa local government headquarters was relocated to Bununu.
A leader of the displaced Muslim community, Sheikh Danazumi Musa Tafawa Balewa, made the plea when he led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the chairman of Tafawa Balewa local government, Sama’ila Wakili, in his office.
He acknowledged the efforts of Governor Bala Mohammed to ensure lasting peace in the area.
Danazumi said their people were suffering in various towns and villages within and outside the state, hence the need for the government to speed up the plan to bring them together without hindrance.
He expressed optimism on the commitment and capacity of the government to make their dreams come true.
Sheikh Danazumi assured the Bauchi government of their continued support to actualise set goals and objectives and bring about lasting peace to Tafawa Balewa and the state as a whole.
Responding, the chairman of Tafawa Balewa local government, Samaila Wakili who was represented by his deputy, Maigari Jambil, thanked them for the visit and promised to channel their request appropriately.
