Electoral Violence: Security Operative Identifies Takum, Jalingo, Wukari As Flash Points

Some parts of Taraba state may witness election violence in the 2023 elections, due to the fragile nature of politics in Jalingo and the complexities in the southern zone.

Jalingo, which is located in northern Taraba and also the capital of Taraba State for many years have been politically volatile and a hub of political thuggery.

Politicians rather than empowering youths to engage in meaningful activities that would bring fame and fortune to the state, they are rather used to terrorize and attack their political opponents and supporters.

Many politicians in the state are perceived to have several of these thugs at their command.

Criminal elements used for political chaos feed off electoral activities, and elections are the height of it, when they seek to impress their paymasters by attacking their opponents and as  well looting.

The caretaker chairman of Jalingo Local Government, Aminu Jauro Hassan in a chat with journalists ahead of the 2023 general elections had the following to say.

"I must say that I am worried at the activities of some of our young people working for some political parties and politicians. 

"It is absolutely needless to unleash mayhem on innocent people and steal from them in the name of playing politics. It is mere criminality and nothing else.

"Instead, I will encourage young people to take their destiny into their hands, vote for the right people and ensure that their votes are well protected.

"We are working with security agencies already to ensure that anyone who decides to take the path of lawlessness is made to face the full wrath of the law without mercy".

Hon. Ismailia Maihanci of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and Hon. Suleiman Bakari (SB) of the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) are major contenders in the race for the House of Representatives seat for the Jalingo/Yorro/Zing federal constituency along with candidates of other parties.

On the other hand, the Governor has been accused by many of unlawfully arresting and remanding key people in the camp of his oppositions such as Yakubu Samaila (Young JP) and others.

Hon. Danjuma Sheddi, representing Wukari/Ibi federal constituency, had bashed Gov. Ishaku who is vying for Senator in Taraba south for the unlawful arrest of some key members of the APC in Taraba South.

There is a likelihood of reprisals during the coming elections, translating to electoral crisis. Supporters of the ruling party and oppositions engaged in thuggery may clash in expression of loyalty to their paymasters.

Electoral violence in the south may be worse in Takum, the hometown of Gov. Darius Ishaku and also in Wukari that often appears to control the affairs of the southern zone.

Taraba North senatorial seat is equally tussled by the likes of Abubakar Sani Danladi (Sani Contact) of the APC, A.A Liman of the NNPP and  Shuaibu Isa Lau of the PDP.

While INEC has promised a free, fair and credible election and security agencies have assured that their operatives are trained, ready and would be deployed for a violent-free election.

 Tarabans are advised especially those at these flashpoints to be watchful and avoid whatever may hamper their safety before, during and after the elections.