Bissaula Peace Advocates Refute Claims of Renewed Communal Crisis, Say Peace Has Been Sustained Since 2024

A group identified as Concerned Citizens for Peace and Justice in Bissaula has refuted reports suggesting a resurgence of communal hostilities in Bissaula Ward, Kurmi Local Government Area of Taraba state.

The statement, following a publication titled: "Insecurity: Bissaula Community Leader Raises Alarm Over Renewed Attack, Calls for Lasting Security Deployment." expressed concern over what it described as a misleading and inflammatory narrative credited to Alhaji Idi Ismaila. 

The group clarified that the recent incident was not a communal attack between the Ichen and Chamba people, but a targeted assassination attempt on Mr. Baba Umaru Gambo, a former youth leader and current Commander of the Taraba Marshal in Kurmi LGA.

Drawing from Alhaji Idi Ismaila's own account, the group highlighted that the attackers specifically targeted Baba UmaruGambo.

According to Ismaila's narration, Gambo was seated with another resident, Kefas Hassan Bui, when gunmen stormed the scene. Both men attempted to flee, but the attackers allegedly pursued Gambo and shot him multiple times. The group stressed that this sequence of events confirmed the attack was aimed at an individual—not an entire community.

They further stated that linking the Chamba extraction to the attack was baseless and capable of reigniting tensions, insisting that neither the Ichen nor the Chamba communities were involved in any confrontation.

Peace Has Been Sustained Since 2024

The group reiterated that since the 2024 Peace Accord signed in Baissa by leaders of both ethnic groups, no communal violence has been recorded. They praised the continued efforts of the Ichen Traditional Council, government interventions, and security assessment visits for sustaining peace in the area.

They warned that misrepresenting isolated incidents as ethnic hostilities threatens the fragile harmony both communities have worked hard to maintain.

Call for Responsible Journalism and Security Action

The statement condemned sensational reporting and urged journalists to verify information before publication to avoid inflaming tensions. It also called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation to uncover the perpetrators of the assassination attempt and bring them to justice.

Additionally, the group appealed to Governor Agbu Kefas and Kurmi Local Government Chairman, Mr. Moses Maihankali, to urgently deploy security personnel to strengthen the peace being enjoyed in the area.

"Bissaula Is Not at War"

The group emphasised that peace in Bissaula remains intact and must be guarded jealously. They called on government institutions, community leaders, NGOs, and religious bodies to support reconciliation efforts and promote truthful, responsible communication for the stability of Kurmi LGA and Taraba State.