Not less than three people were killed in Biliri, Gombe State over Chieftaincy tussle last week. Videos and pictures surfaced on the internet confirming that shops and Mosques were lit up. The Biliri Central Mosque at the palace of Mai Tangle and that of Galadina Biliri were destroyed. The latter was burnt by ‘hoodlums’.
The KnowIslam Project received the sad news from various social media users. As it is with us, we launched an investigation into the incident to ascertain the facts not to contribute to the dissemination of fake news contents especially at a time where fake news broadcast is threatening the peace and security of the nation.
Upon our investigation, we discovered that a Chieftaincy tussle led to the violence that claimed lives and properties in Christian-dominated Biliri town. A new Mai Tangle was to be elected following the death of the late Mai Tangle, Dr. Abdu Buba Maisharu in January. It was alleged that a minority candidate that has no link to the Tangle throne would be imposed by the Gombe State Government despite the fact the candidate scored less than 22 votes while the authentic candidate and son of the demised monarch, Dr Idris Maiyemba polled 55votes.
The KnowIslam Project condemns this act of violence and targeted attacks. Also, we believe that the ‘hoodlums’ who attacked the Muslims and Mosques do not represent Christianity, their action is not Christ-like. Therefore, it would suffice to call them thugs/hoodlums as it would be too good a gift to associate them with millions of peaceful Christians. We call for calm from all parties while warning against reprisal attacks that would lead to more violence and bloodshed.
We call upon the governor of Gombe State, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, to be fair and just in the selection of the new Mai Tangle. If the people have chosen their leader, it is important to respect the will of the people. Disrespecting the will of the people contradicts the seat Mr. Governor occupies.
The KnowIslam Project also calls the attention of the relevant arms to reprimand, sanction or prosecute the Police officers in the viral video who looked on as the people destroyed the mosque without any attempt to stop them. This action will not only embolden hoodlums, it may also confirm the insinuation that the NPF is incapable of providing security to the masses. We want to believe that these policemen approve of what the hoodlums had done.
Also, the government is urged to compensate the family of the victims who lost their lives during the violence as well as the repair or reconstruction of destroyed buildings.
We urge the masses to refrain from inciting publications, social media posts and campaigns. We call to peace. May Allah forgive the believers amongst the dead and grant them Jannah. Aameen.
Bashir Lucas Samson Lukman
The KnowIslam Project
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