Longtong Ibrahim
Jos (Nigeria) – The Tarok natives under the umbrella of ‘Nwang Ishi Otarok’ (NIO), have petitioned Plateau State House of Assembly on extra-judicial killing of their people.
The natives who marched to the Assembly in black attires to express their grief were led by the Plateau North Zonal Chairman, Nagor Ndam.
In a petition titled, ” planned genocide against the Tarok race by the Nigerian Army and the Plateau State government” alleged the active involvement of governor Jonah Jang in the attack following his silence days after the incidence.
It also added that several days after, the National and State Emergency Management Agency have failed to provide any form of relief materials to the affected victims.
The chairman said, “we have come before you Honourable Speaker and other members to present our Letter of petition formally over the May 2nd, 2015 killings of innocent lives in Wase local government area of the state for a thorough investigation for justice to take its place”.
The aggrieved people were received by the Speaker, Titus Alams; the Deputy Speaker, Joyce Yernab; member representing Langtang-South, Daiyabu Dauda; member representing Wase among other members at the State Assembly complex in Jos.
Receiving the petition, the Speaker promised the Tarok Natives of immediate action, saying that decisions can only be taken at plenary sessions.
He described the killings as not just an attack on Tarok Nation, but an attack on the entire state, stating “if major tribes can be attacked and killed like this, then the smaller Tribes will just be smashed away then!”.
He promised to reach out to the National Assembly as a House after going through the petition.
Member representing Lantang-South, as well as the deputy Speaker, Joyce Yernab expressed shock over lives and property destroyed.
She said, ” the elimination of a particularly generation by Military men on a mission without following the rule of engagements is uncalled for”.
The petition contained a five prayer point which includes; “Relieved materials should be made available to the affected persons; the House should order for an investigation into the matter; other agencies and organisations both local and International should come to their aid; a demand for adequate compensation to be paid to victims of the dastard act; and a call for the immediate withdrawal of soldiers from the civilian settlements into the barracks to forestall future occurrence”.
