The Adamawa government has inaugurated a six-man administrative commission of inquiry to look into the recent Demsa and Numan herdsmen/farmers’ clashes.

Inaugurating the commission yesterday, Governor Mohammed Jibrilla reiterated government’s desire to end the crisis.

The terms of reference of the commission, which is to submit its reports within six weeks from the day of first sitting, include to investigate:

• the immediate and remote causes of the conflict, and ascertain the extent of damages to lives and properties lost during the crisis;
• Proffer lasting solutions that would sustain peace and harmony in the state;
• and advise the government on how to curtail future occurrences and measures on rehabilitation and settlement of those affected by the crisis.

In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Commission, a retired Justice of the Federal High Court, Adamu Hobong, assured that the commission will be fair in the discharge of its duty.

Other members of the commission are Professor Fati Abubakar, Pastor Dimian Dati, Alhaji Aliyu Chiroma and Pius Raymond. Pius Alih of the SSG’s office is to serve as Secretary.

What this means: The government have not until now identified with the devastating damage the crises has had on the lives of those affected, which goes on show how much the government values human lives – its citizens.

As much as we commend the development, this crisis did not start yesterday and inaugurating a commission that still has to sit to decide how to go about their business is very late.