Kebbi Gov’t Resolves to End Jega Crisis, Seeks Transparent Investigation

By YM Bina

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State has called for a full, transparent and impartial investigation into the recent violence in Jega, while urging residents, political actors and other stakeholders to remain calm and united in the interest of peace and public safety.

The party was reacting to the violence that occurred in parts of Jega on Friday, which resulted in the destruction of property belonging to innocent citizens.

Addressing journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday, the APC State Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Isah Assalafi, sympathised with residents and other victims who suffered losses during the incident and urged the relevant authorities to provide appropriate assistance and protection to those affected.

Assalafi declared that Jega must remain peaceful and that Kebbi State must remain peaceful, stressing that democracy must prevail over violence and the rule of law must prevail over impunity.

He commended the security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and residents whose interventions helped restore calm, while urging them to remain vigilant and continue working together to safeguard peace.

The party spokesman also cautioned political actors, supporters and other stakeholders against inflammatory statements, deliberate misinformation and actions capable of heightening tension in Jega or any other part of the state.

He urged the people of Jega and Kebbi State at large not to allow political differences to divide their communities, advising them to reject recruitment into acts of destruction and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

Calling on political parties and their leaders to take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters, Assalafi said political actors must reject political thuggery in all its forms and publicly commit themselves to peaceful democratic engagement.

On the political dimension of the crisis, Assalafi expressed concern that, while political competition is a normal feature of democracy, it must never degenerate into confrontation, violence or destruction.

He added that dialogue and lawful engagement must remain the proper avenues for resolving political disagreements and addressing grievances.

Assalafi emphasised that Jega has a long history of active political participation and remains an important community in Kebbi State, stressing that the actions of a few individuals must not be allowed to create a false impression about the character of the people of Jega.

The party therefore demanded a full, thorough and impartial investigation into the recent violence in parts of Jega Local Government Area.

He added that any investigation must be transparent and that accountability must be based on evidence, rather than speculation, political affiliation or public pressure.

The APC condemned every act of violence, destruction of property, intimidation and criminality connected with the disturbance, regardless of the political affiliation, identity or status of those involved.