The committee on assessment of damages and rehabilitation of victims of the unfortunate communal clash that erupted between the Tehl people of Ponglong and Tarok people of Fungyallang communities, constituted by Hon Dan Kungmi, Chairman, Transition Implementation Committee of Mikang on the 4th April, 2024 has submitted it report on Monday, 22nd April, 2024 in Tunkus, Headquarters of Mikang Local Government Council
www.pointblank.com.ng, reported on Thursday, 4th April, 2024 that Prince Pilgani Jimwang, the Director of Social Services, said the Committee had two weeks to submit its report
Headed by Hon Isa Kongwai, the committee worked assiduously and kept to time while doing justice to the terms of reference which included assessment of damages and the extent of the destruction, and the urgent need for rehabilitation and reconciliation efforts.
Turning in its six-page report with 15 observations/findings, Hon Isa said “the report highlights the need for immediate action to address the physical, emotional, and psychological damage caused by the conflict”.
The committee’s assessment of damages includes the destruction of homes and businesses, as well as the loss of livelihoods and access to basic services such as healthcare and water supply.
www.pointblank.com.ng gathers that the report also documented the trauma experienced by victims, including women and children who have been subjected to violence and displacement and are now taking shelter in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps.
Giving the breakdown of its findings, the Committee Chairman, Hon Kongwai submitted that “after an extensive deliberation which covered 11 communities, it confirmed that major cause of the crisis was basically a farmland dispute between one Peter Dati of Montol/Tehl extraction from Ponglong and one Selbong Ramli a Taroh man from Dullum all from Mikang Local Government Areas”.
Committee’s Observations/Findings:
- That 18 persons were killed in the crisis where 3 persons were observed not from the affected communities; Thomas Kongkam from Mwanpus, Dantala Funlang from Wandam and Moidet Tambuk from Luham Communities respectively.
- That 30 persons sustained various degrees of injuries in the attack
- That 11 communities were ravaged by this unwarranted attacks.
- Observed that only ten (10) communities responded and cooperated with the committee during the assessment under Mikang Local Government Area.
- Dullum Community which is under Mikang Local Government but predominantly Tarok did not cooperate with the committee after the first and second visits by the committee represented by a member of the committee respectively
- The committee observed that many foodstuffs and other cash crops worth #297,145,000 were destroyed during the crisis.
- Many houses, comprising of corrugated zincs and round huts totaling 1945 were burnt down with an estimated value of #115,410,000 only
- The committee observed that 473 households were affected in the crisis with 2,700 persons displaced
- The committee observed that 288 cows valued at #70,750,000 were rustled, although it was later reported that some recoveries were made but the committee was not privy to such reports
- That 26 motorcycles worth #13,600,000 were carted away during the crisis.
- The committee observed that some monies amounting to #1,600,000 were either burnt down or stolen during the the crisis
- Also observed that some foodstuffs, live stocks were looted and carted away before setting most of the houses ablaze
- Observed that most of the people living in the various communities are living in fear of attacks and harassment from unsuspected neighbours
- The committee observed that the motorized borehole that supplies water to Ponglong community was vandalized
- A total of #716,419,970 was observed as the total damage/cost incurred
The committee recommended amongst others, the sighting of security post in Ponglong for quick intervention, rehabilitation of the vandalized motorized borehole, dialogue with the neighbouring communities, Joint Security Patrols and Meetings between Mikang and Langtang North, provision of farming implements such as fertilizer, agro herbicides, pesticides, provision of building materials to facilitate relocation of victims from IDPs to ancestral homes, provision of free medical treatment and counselling sessions for traumatized victims, cash interventions to start up life again and a further investigation as to why Dullum community refused to cooperate with the committee. The chairman observed that the refusal of the committee was a timebomb waiting to explode
It also recommended the Council to formally write the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other donor agencies to come to the aid of the people who lost their foodstuff, shelter and means of livelihood
Responding, Hon Kungmi, appreciated the committee for their sacrifices and informed them that the committee was two in one; Assessment and Rehabilitation and now that they are done with assessment which represents 50% of their assignment, the remaining assignment of rehabilitation awaits them and urged them to more be committed in executing it as they did in the first assignment.
The peace loving chairman pledged the council’s concerted efforts to promoting reconciliation and peacebuilding between the Tehl and Tarok communities as essential tools to prevent future conflicts and promote sustainable coexistence. “Dialogue, mediation, and community engagement particularly with Dullum community shall be prioritized to address the root causes of the conflict and foster understanding and reconciliation between us”.
He assured of the rehabilitation of the victims before June to enable them cultivate their farms to avoid further encroachment. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to bringing succour to the victims as a way of building confidence in them. He said where the Local Government would be incapacitated the needs of the people would be escalated to the State and Federal Government as the case maybe.
