Fintiri threatens government takeover of disputed lands
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has warned of the likelihood that his government may confiscate any land over which communities engage in violent clashes.
The governor issued the warning on Tuesday during a visit to scenes of recent violence in Lamurde Local Government Area, where two neighbouring communities attacked each other over a disputed piece of farmland.
The violence, which broke out on July 5, and lasted for several days, resulted in deaths, destruction of valuable property, and displacement of households.
Governor Fintiri, who was accompanied on the assessment visit to Lamurde by senior government officials and security commanders, lamented that the violent enmity stemming from the long-disputed farmland ownership could no longer be tolerated.
“I urge you to sheath your swords, forgive one another, and live together in peace. This government will not tolerate further violence,” the governor warned during his visit to Waduku, Lakan, and Rugange communities.
Fintiri, declaring that any farmland found to be at the root of communal tension could be taken over by his administration, asserted, “You must not trespass on land that does not belong to you. Land disputes will not be allowed to fuel further bloodshed.”
He assured the victims of the recent violence that the government would take all necessary measures to ensure their safety.
“It is our responsibility to protect you so you can go to your farms and markets and conduct your daily activities peacefully. Whatever it takes to restore peace, the government will do,” Fintiri said.
Emotions ran high in each community visited by the governor and his entourage.
At Waduku, a representative of the Bachama community, Mr Danladi Kotohula, blamed the police for failing to act promptly.
“The farmland dispute was the main cause. The DPO did not intervene early enough to prevent this from getting out of hand,” Kotohula said.
In Lakan, Mr Hygimus Mangu of the Chobo community expressed the pain of losing the sense of harmony that once existed between the now bitterly divided communities.
“These two communities have lived in peace for decades, even intermarried. We must return to that unity,” Mangu said.
Many community leaders from both sides spoke in a similar vein, expressing their desire for reconciliation and a way forward.
Fintiri threatens government takeover of disputed lands
