Billiri Protest: Tangale Muslim Council calls for Investigation
Billiri Protest: Tangale Muslim Council calls for investigation
As Protesters kills three Billiri
The Tangale Muslim Council in Billiri Local Government Area (LGA) of Gombe state has condemned the attack and destruction of Muslim properties by miscreants in the name of peaceful protest.
According to Chairman of the council Malam Isah Ibrahim, in a statement, the agitation which was to compel the state government to be answerable to the Kingmakers in the chiefdom who had performed the extent of their powers turned out to be against Muslims and their properties.
Malam called for immediate investigation and arrest of the perpetrators of act meted on Muslims in Billiri on Friday.
While calling for a multi-religious dialogue among Muslims, Christains and Yeku worshipers in Local government, the chairman said: “We are law abiding and we know and have confidence that the government and governor of Gombe state is strict follower of the law.”
Malam Isah further urges the state government to compensate owners of shops and businesses as well as other properties burnt or affected by the act of the Christian miscreant.
Meanwhile, the state governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has assured that he will relent in protecting the lives and property of the citizenry.
The Governor said the outbreak of the violence in Billiri has left his administration with no option than to declare a 24-hour curfew to further stem the spread of violence, loss of lives and destruction of property.
Governor Yahaya also announced the suspension of all proceedings leading to the selection of a new traditional ruler of Tangale Chiefdom until peace is fully restored to the troubled sticking town and communities.
The governor pronounced the decision in a state-wide broadcast shortly after returning from an inspection to ascertain the extent of damage caused by the violence in Billiri.
“Let it be clear that it is within my powers as governor to appoint any of the three recommended candidates to become the new Mai Tangle. Let it also be clear that no official pronouncement was made about any candidate before, during and after the eruption of violence in Billiri Local Government Area,” the governor explained.
According to the state commissioner of police, CP Maikudi Shehu, no fewer than three lives were lost in violent protest and that 10 suspects have been arrested, even as he assured that more arrests will be made.
