After the recent clash between Balikumbat and Bambalang villages in the Ngoketunjia Division of North West Region, calm has now returned to the two warring communities. The devastating effects of the crisis are however still evident as over 500 people have been rendered homeless in Bambalang. Life is yet to return to normal as some of the victims have living with relatives. Others are still stranded, awaiting the construction of a temporary resettlement camp, pending the reconstruction of their homes.
In order to alleviate the plight of the people, government on March 15 offered exercise books, dresses, bags of rice, maize, beans, salt, drums of oil, bathing soap, money to bereaved families to organize funerals amongst others, were handed over to the Senior Divisional Officer, SDO for Ngoketunjia, Kwella Valerie Norbert, by the Governor of the North West Region, Abakar Ahamat. While handing over the gifts, Governor Abakar expressed regret that lives were lost in the conflict and in very strong terms, condemned the act. He revealed that the number of deaths had risen to six as some two bodies were found in the bush on March 14. He said perpetrators of such barbaric acts will obviously face the law as investigations are continuing.
While extending government’s condolences to bereaved families, he said fighting and violence were not the best ways of resolving problems. He therefore called on all to adopt the peaceful way of resolving problems. He was quick to appreciate the efforts of some elite who also sent some food items to assist the victims. He said it is the priority of government to ensure that its citizens live better lives, reasons why through the Prime Minister, the gifts were sent to the victims. He equally requested that the gifts be shared judiciously.
Speaking on behalf of his people, Fon Shumetang Calvin II of Bambalang assured government that the gifts will be shared as requested. He thanked government and all people of goodwill who came to their aid after the macabre incident. He said arrangements have been made for a resettlement camp, pending the reconstruction of homes. He promised total support and collaboration to ensure that culprits are brought to book.
