From Nahum Sule, Jalingo
The Campaign Organisation of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate in Taraba State, Hon Danjuma Usman Shiddi (Danji SS), has condemned what it describes as hypocrisy in Governor Agbu Kefas’ response to recent tragedies, particularly his decision to travel to Niger State to mourn the 37 suspected illegal miners who died in custody while communities across Taraba continue to suffer killings, displacement and destruction.
In a statement signed by the Director, Media and Communication, Hon Emmanuel Umaru, the campaign said it was not questioning the governor’s decision to sympathise with bereaved families in Niger State, but questioned why similar compassion had not been demonstrated towards grieving families and displaced communities in Taraba.
“Instead of standing with the families of Taraba citizens who have been killed, displaced and rendered homeless, the governor rushed to Niger State to mourn victims of a tragedy there. What about the victims here at home?” the statement asked.
The campaign pointed to the recent crisis in Mbamnga Ward of Sardauna LGA, where more than 1,000 people have reportedly been displaced and about 340 houses destroyed, with several deaths and missing persons reported. A DSS personnel was also reportedly among those killed.
It also recalled the violent clash in Gwomu, Bikwin Ward of Karim Lamido LGA, where at least three people were reportedly killed, and the villages of Bobbo, Weyam and Bakau were burnt, forcing residents to flee to neighbouring communities.
The campaign further cited the Mayo-Kam mining disaster in Bali LGA, where an illegal mining pit collapsed, with five deaths confirmed by the police while more than 20 people were initially feared trapped or killed.
According to the campaign, these tragedies demand the same level of empathy, leadership and public attention being demonstrated by the governor outside the state.
“The people of Taraba deserve to know that their lives matter. Families in Sardauna, Karim Lamido, Bali, Takum and other troubled parts of the state should not have to watch their loved ones die, lose their homes and livelihoods, and then see their governor travel elsewhere to offer condolences while their own pain receives little attention.
“Governor Kefas cannot mourn victims in Niger, and ignore the tears of victims in Taraba. Leadership must begin at home. Compassion must not be selective.”
The Danji SS Campaign Organisation called on the state government to urgently visit affected communities, engage displaced residents and bereaved families, and provide meaningful humanitarian and security interventions.
It maintained that every life lost deserves compassion, whether the tragedy occurs in Niger State or Taraba State, and urged the governor to give equal attention to the security and welfare of Taraba citizens.