Nigeria - One hundred and thirty-eight people (138) have been confirmed dead so far in the ethno-religious clashes which have engulfed Numan in Adamawa State lately.
PMNews investigation revealed that 38 residents of the area were killed between 8-10 June alone, when some Bachama youths attacked Muslims youths trying to rebuild a central mosque demolished last year during a similar clash.
54 others were seriously wounded, while property worth millions of naira were destroyed by the warring youths.
Visibly shocked when he saw corpses and the victims receiving treatment, Governor of the state, Bonnie Haruna, vowed to sacrifice any officer or persons involved in the conflict.
"The law will take its course," he declared as he gave a shoot-on-sight order on lawbreakers.
Records made available to PMNews revealed that over 100 residents of Numan were killed last year when Bachama youths engaged their Hausa opponents in battles over the alleged murder of a woman Evangelist, Evangelist Jinkai Etham, by a water vendor, Mohammed Salisu, during an argument over the price of water.
During the clash, houses and other property worth millions of naira were destroyed, burnt or looted, while hundreds of people fled the area and never returned.
Hundreds of residents became jobless and were thrown into crime.
It would be recalled that the Muslim Council in the state had, on 12 June, 2003, alleged that the chief of Numan, Mr. Freddy Soditi Bongo, was the brain behind the conflict and should be suspended from office.
In response to the call by the Muslims, Bachama youths urged the state government to disregard the allegations levelled against the traditional ruler, describing them as baseless.
The State Government, however set up a 13-member investigation panel to probe the clashes.
A year later, the panel submitted its report but the government failed to act on its recommendations.
Last week, however, the state government deposed the traditional ruler of the town, Mr. Freddy Bongo, the Hama Bachama. The government accused the ruler of (deliberately) delaying security meetings to end the clashes on two occasions.
The traditional ruler was also accused of demonstrating indifference, insensitivity and reluctance to solve the lingering conflict between the Muslims and the Bachama people.