Taraba bans fishing in disputed ponds
…Constitutes commission of inquiry into Jomo/Jole fishing feud
The Taraba state government has banned all fishing activities in disputed fishing ponds in Lau Local Government Area of the state.
The state government has also constituted a commission of inquiry into the feud between Shomo/Jole over fishing rights.
Taraba state Deputy Governor, Haruna Manu, while inaugurating the members of the commission of enquiry on Monday, announced the total ban on fishing in the disputed fishing ponds till further notice.
The deputy governor, who expressed sadness over the prolonged crisis said, the crisis over the years has led to bloodshed between the Shomo and Jole ethnic groups.
According to him, commission of inquiry is to be chaired by Justice Silas Haruna of the state high court and has four weeks to complete its assignment.
“Recall that earlier this year, bloody conflicts over fishing rights on the disputed ponds have led to loss of lives and properties in the area.
“It has become expedient for this government to as a matter urgency, take drastic measures to curtail once and for all, the continuous wanton destruction of property and bloodletting in what has now become annual Shomo/Jole communal feud,” he said.
The deputy governor further disclosed that it was sad to note that, a number of attempts have been made by previous administrations as well as the present government, to genuinely seek permanent solutions to the claims and counter -claims over the ownership of some ancestral fishing ponds in Lau Local Government Area.
He said the committee is made up of statesmen with impeccable character, to proffer permanent, workable and acceptable resolution to the age -long disagreement that seems to defy logical answers.
“We are however, not discouraged by the lack of progress in earlier attempts, that is why this high powered panel will be given all the necessary tools and support to perform the important responsibility of resolving this avoidable, yet protracted bloodbath, among the two communities that have lived alongside each other for ages.
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“This administration frowns and condemns in very strong terms, the senseless and needless resort to the use of arms, at the slightest provocation by individuals, groups and communities, whereas, there exists ample mechanisms for amicable dispute resolution and settlement of disagreements.
“Henceforth, this government will not hesitate to wield the big stick, by descending heavily on those who fan the embers of discord under whatever guise.
“There shall not be any sacred cow, as anyone that is found wanting or culpable will be made to face the full wrath of the law,
“Meanwhile, as an interim measure, government has banned all fishing and other activities in, and around the ponds that are in contention until further notice and any individual or group that violates this order will be dealt with accordingly,” he warned.
Responding on behalf of other members of the committee, the Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry, Justice Silas Haruna, solicited the cooperation of the traditional institution in Lau to adequately conclude its task within the time frame.
