By TERYIMA ANDREW
The Member, representing Mangu/Bokkos federal constituency, Hon. Solomon Maren, has advocated for the legalization of the vigilante group to help fight insurgents at the grassroots.
Hon. Maren who stated this while paying condolences to victims and those who lost relations in the recent attack which claimed 12 lives, told the community leaders that plans are on to empower vigilante to help fight gunmen.
“The bill for the legalization of the vigilante is also before parliament. The bill has already passed second reading and is currently at the committee of the hall,” he said.
The lawmaker said “what has happened to them has happened to us. It is also to assure to them that we have not forgotten them.”
The legislator stressed that “I want to assure you that once we resume this February, we will make sure that it is attended to so that the VGN will not just be a voluntary organization but it will also be regulated.”
He pleaded with the community to expose bad eggs within the community. “If any of you knows anyone that has a hand please let us know and we will fish them out.”
The member, house of representative also met with the leader of the Fulani, whose kinsmen allegedly carried out the attack on Konbum community.
“We are glad to say at least we saw the Ardo in your Palace. That is an indication thaahe issue is close to being resolved.”
The Ardo (leader) of Fulani in Kulben, Isa Umaru on his part pledged to expose culprits of the attack should he get to know them.
“I will never spare them because they want to spoil the good life we have shared. I am over 60yrs old and this is where I was born. I don’t know anywhere else and i won’t let children that don’t know the value of communal living bring problems to us.
“No matter who is involved, if it is found that they are truly culpable, let us not habour them,” he said.
Hon. Maren pledged to present the incident to the national assembly “I want to say that once we resume, this matter will be tabled before the parliament. I have been able to make series of calls to my colleagues from across the country and they have assured of their support to bring this matter before the parliament.”
At the time of the visit, normalcy seems to have been restored in the trouble area, though residents still living in fears.