Funmi Peter-Omale
18 September 2002
Jos — Chairman of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Civil Disturbances in Jos and environs, Justice Niki Tobi has cautioned that there may not be an end to communal clashes in Plateau state except the ownership and indigeneship of Jos is resolved.
Tobi made this submission in Jos yesterday while presenting the final reports of the Commission to the state governor, Chief Joshua Dariye.
He said that "one major problem identified by this commission was the ownership of Jos and the concomittant issue of settler/indigeneship" which has been lingering for sometime and had resulted into series o f clashes.
"Unless the government and people of Plateau recognize and identify the ownership of Jos as recommended by the commission, there will be no end to crises in Jos in particular, and the state in general"
Tobi explained that his Commission could not dwell on the issue too much during its sitting because "the indigen-eship/settlership problems were not part of our jurisdiction."
"We didn't have the jurisdiction to do so. In addition, we did not want to re-write history, this would have amounted to great injustice," he said.
He thus appealed for tolerance and understanding and enjoined all to join forces to fight war and destruction.
According to him, individuals, groups communities and associations submitted 556 memoranda and 614 exhibits were admitted.
Based on evidences, he said, 915 lives were lost while properties worth over N3 billion were destroyed.
Tobi while condemning the extent of destructions and losses incurred during the September 7,2001 disturbances lamented that visits to some of the affected places revealed that some villages were totally sacked.
Governor Joshua Dariye commended Tobi and his team for doing a thorough job and assured that justice would be done in implementing the recommendations of the commission.
He assured that the report would be guarded against leakage before the white paper is finally released to the public.
Dariye said his administration was bent on achieving meaningful
reconciliation and lasting peace.
"Everything contained in the report would be implemented in our quest
for peace. Our resolve for peace is non-negotiatable," he said.
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