By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Women from the Tangale Community Development Association (TCDA) are urging Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya to publicly disclose the findings of the commission of inquiry into the 2021 Billiri crisis. This appeal came after a meeting held in Billiri, as stated in a release provided to journalists over the weekend.
The women expressed their discontent over the misrepresentation of the events surrounding the crisis. They highlighted that a peaceful protest by predominantly Christian Tangale women—sparked by rumors of an unpopular candidate being imposed as the Mai Tangle—was mischaracterized as a religious conflict. During the protest, miscreants attacked the demonstrators, resulting in the destruction of businesses and places of worship.
The TCDA women are particularly concerned about the governor’s swift disbursement of over N500 million from the Billiri Local Council’s joint state/LGA account as compensation for damages. They demand transparency regarding the commission’s findings, especially in light of the compensation payments made to those affected by the crisis.
Additionally, they called for the immediate release of individuals they consider “innocently incarcerated” in connection with the unrest. They urged the governor to focus on identifying and prosecuting the actual perpetrators of the violence.
Lead speaker Mrs. Mary Simon lamented, “We are parents, and it pains us that our children are incarcerated for offenses they did not commit. The government should pursue the real culprits.” Another speaker, Malama Elizabeth, emphasized the suffering endured by the families of those imprisoned, stating, “Their wives and children have become miserable, and some have even lost their parents due to the depression caused by this situation.”
The women’s statements reflected their belief that Governor Yahaya’s actions following the protest have further vindicated their concerns. However, a recent open letter from Tangale elders and three sociocultural groups criticized the governor’s announcement of the new Mai Tangle, asserting that the appointed individual is not a Tangale man.
