Thoughts on Africa: Issues, Analysis, Discussions

Nasarawa crisis: Ombatse Militia

October 10, 2013
Print

INTRODUCTION

 

The Ombatse militia rocking Obi Local Government in Nasarawa State Nigeria is the manifestation of the sins of corruption in the society. Most of the Newspaper and other communication channels in the country propagate the ensued violent conflicts without bringing to fore the demands and the causes of the militia involved in the crisis. However, those involved in the communal violence are known as the Eggon youths suspected to be Ombatse militia and Alago youths in Obi Local government area of the state. The Ombatse militias have engaged the police in fierce quagmire, with increase in the loss of life majorly at the police side. The Ombatse militia attack on Adabu, Obi and Assakio Alago communities has left dead people in the communities mostly children and women and destruction of property worth millions of naira condemned by the government with the ancient and illusive clause of "we are on top of the situation".

 

Seventy three security operatives at Alakyo village were killed on May 7, 2013 with inability of the government to apprehend and bring to justice of the assailants. Thus, this necessitated the action of the federal government to deploy military troops to the conflict zones while threating to issue state of emergency.

 

However surprise attacks on people by the militia is being addressed by the Army over strategic locations of Lafia and other areas of the state to prevent surprise attack on communities. These pacification actions by the troops have resulted in the killing of the militant leader whose name is still undisclosed.

 

CAUSES OF THE CONFLICT

 

The causes behind the communal crises are result of political juggernaut and ambitions of those in the present administration which started during the first civilian administration of the state in 1999. Information gathered from indigenes in the affected community avows that the major cause of the conflict is as a result of breach of contract and trust by the present government administration in Nasarawa state. It was disclosed that, during the first civilian rule after military dictatorship and regime stepped down for civilians to rule.  The pioneer governor Abdulahi Adamu of 1999 administration now a senator came to power with the support of the Eggon ethnic communities known as the majority with hopes that the Eggon people will benefit from his administration. However, his tenure took another dimension when he extricated Eggon stakeholders in the political affairs of the state. Political rancor came to fore when the state government ordered civil servant of Eggon to return to their local government areas or lose their employment.  This particular action resulted in communal clashes as the measure adopted by the state government was harsh on the people fueled by political interest that was aimed at reducing the political strength of Eggon group.

 

IMPLICATION OF THE VIOLENT CONFLICT

 

The implications of the conflict is not limited to the loss of lives and property but has also equipped youth with Small arms and light weapons. Thus, the weapons used by these militias and youths when they clash are more sophisticated than anticipated. The politicians using youths to fights for their interest have no means of demobilizing them after their needs are achieved. Thus, this makes the society more vulnerable with the presence of unabated and unregistered weapon users in the community made available by politicians to the youth. At the long run, these weapons are used negatively in achieving other needs by the irate youth involved such as robbery cases, kidnapping and other vices. More so, the conflict produces internal displaced person.

 

The consciousness of hate seed has been sown into the life of these ethnic groups.  A bigger picture of this kind of problem is the Rwanda genocide which was between the Hutus and the Tutusi. This is how it starts when politics go awry with self-interest and dissatisfaction of others.

 
Share this article

Poll conducted

  1. In your opinion, what are the US long-term goals for Russia?
    U.S. wants to establish partnership relations with Russia on condition that it meets the U.S. requirements  
     33 (31%)
    U.S. wants to deter Russia’s military and political activity  
     30 (28%)
    U.S. wants to dissolve Russia  
     24 (22%)
    U.S. wants to establish alliance relations with Russia under the US conditions to rival China  
     21 (19%)
For business
For researchers
For students