Security Forces Did Nothing To Avert Clashes In Yendi - Chiefs

It has now been established that fierce fighting which started at the Ya Na’s Palace last Monday persisted for three days contrary to the denial by the outgoing Interior Minister, Alhaji Malik Yakubu Alhassan. It is now clear that despite the presence of security forces at Yendi, no attempt was made to bring the situation under control. The security forces stayed away and made no attempt to stop the clashes between the Andani and Abudu factions because they were not ordered to do so.

Our Northern Regional Correspondent, Sayibu Mahama who was with a Ministerial delegation currently on a fact finding mission quoted the Zori Na, Mahmoud Salifu as saying that the attacks started on Monday morning when the late Ya-Na was performing rites for the Fire festival. He said the subsequent attacks and death of the Ya-Na, came as a shock and unexpected.

Zori Na Salifu who represented the Andani’s conceded that the late Ya-Na impressed upon the outgoing Northern Regional Minister, Prince Andani to suspend the curfew to make way for the necessary rites for the Fire Festival. He told the government delegation that tension was still high in the area adding that it is only government who can intervene in the circumstance.

The Abudu faction for their part blamed the late Ya Na for not co-operating with them. They also blamed the outgoing Northern Regional Minister for suspending the curfew, which led to the attacks.

Senior Minister, J. H. Mensah told both sides that there were no victors or losers in the attack and called on the people to remain calm while government takes the necessary steps to ensure peace.

The District Chief Executive of the area, Ahmed Tijani who has been mentioned as having contributed to the clashes was seen sobbing throughout the meeting. Twenty-eight people have so far been confirmed dead.