By Muhd Musa Hadejia
The erroneous bombardment on the Tudun Biri community in Igabi Local Government of Kaduna state has underscored yet another critical, alas very disturbing depiction of the mindless escapades of many of our brethren in positions of authority.
Any one in his right senses and stead would wonder how such an “accident” would happen. An accident or a calculated experimental escapade of extermination. Whatever it is, it is highly inhuman and repulsive. It took the Military authorities several hours to make a statement and claim the responsibility of the dastard act.
Sixteen of such “accidents” took place in various locations of the northern territory. They all came and passed away with very little or nothing done to console the affected victims and their families.
Now that the Tudun Biri – ( monkey’s height) phenomenon has drawn widespread national and international condemnations, it calls for some tangible, pragmatic and sustained efforts and actions by all stakeholders to ensure the needful is done.
There are many issues and questions that need to be addressed to salvage and or cushion the effects of the escapade:
Firstly, there is the need to determine correctly the actual number of the affected victims and wounded, with a view to making a proper planning and intervention in the community. This will surely help in putting the horse before the cart.
Secondly, the promises made by the federal government must be clearly defined and outlined so that all persons and stakeholders will be on the same page. This will give no room for speculations and cutting corners by any person or persons that may be interested in doing the wrong things to the detriment of the victims – thus, curtailing and subjugating the typical “Nigerian factor”.
Thirdly, it is very good that the Northern Lawyers Forum have intervened in the issue, thus engendering some good follow up and monitoring the entire process from the beginning to the end.
The Sultan has very deftly delved in to the issue with very clear message that all victims – dead or alive must be fully compensated and their families fully given the correct and timely restitutions. He has assured Nigerians of the correct and appropriate justice to the families of the victims. This a very commendable and encouraging development.
The National Security Adviser – Nuhu Ribadu has also added weight to the matter. Thus, the high feeling that the right justice will be meted out.
There is therefore the need for a comprehensive monitoring plan towards making sure the planned support and restitutions are fully redeemed. Many Nigerian leaders have the penchant of making beautiful promises, but mostly fall short of proper redemptions of same.
Now, the next issue is that of the previous victims of such escapade. No one seems to be talking about them. Have their ordeals gone to wrought? Or is there a plan to revisit their loved ones and families for some consolations? That would be a great deal of humanitarian service if done.
The security of the victims and their families is another factor for concern. When compensations are made to the families, there is the tendency of bandits to also visit the village Tudun Biri, and claim “their shares” by holding them to ransom. Something very concrete must be instituted to avert such potential eventuality.
Lastly, what concrete preventive measures are put in place to avert a reoccurrence? The National Committee saddled with the responsibility should work efficiently, and proffer tangible suggestions desired for a permanent resettlement, peace and harmony of the victims; and indeed any other such happening anywhere on Nigerian soil.
The culprits of this inhuman and unprofessional undertakings must be fished out and appropriately punished. This will avert similar development – and many more.
Enough – no more of such dastard acts and misfortunes, of man’s wickedness against man – due to other’s frailties.
I take this note to pray for the deceased and quick recovery for the wounded.
Slowly, yet surreptitiously, nemeses catches up with even the most wary transgressors.