By ZAKAA LAZARUS
It was a cold, sober and pathetic sight in Ayilamo village, Tombo Council Ward of Logo LGA, on Wednesday, as PDP Senatorial Candidate for Zone A, Thomas Tyolumun Unongo stood before graves, burnt homes and weeping widows.
Unongo, visibly devastated after travelling deep into the ravaged Tombo community for an on-the-spot assessment of the September 10th attack that claimed 11 lives and left 3 others critically injured could not hide his pain.
“If I can sit with my Fulani colleagues in the Senate for two years running and I cannot engage the Presidency to reduce the magnitude of killings in Zone A, or fail to bring major intervention for my people, I will bow my head in shame and resign as a Senator,” he declared, with his voice trembling.
Unongo said he insisted on visiting Ayilamo in person to arm himself with facts before confronting the powers that be in Abuja if given the opportunity.
“I am weak at heart. I have travelled a long distance to Ayilamo without seeing a single good house standing. This is a burden that must be conquered,” he lamented.
He said if given the mandate, Nigeria will not rest. The whole world will know that something is terribly wrong in Zone ‘A’ whenever such senseless killings occur.
“A situation where innocent people are killed and no attention is given to them must be corrected. I will make Nigeria hear us,” he vowed.
In a touching gesture, Unongo donated N5.5 million to families of the 11 deceased, the 3 injured victims, and for logistics support to the displaced community.
President of Tombo Development Association, Mr. Msugh Abughzwa thanked Unongo for defying fear to visit Tombo personally.
“Because of insecurity, many politicians describe Tombo as a ‘no-go area’. But you have chosen to do otherwise. You came to see our pain with your own eyes. Tombo people will give you full support,” Abughzwa assured.
Other community leaders including Elder Victor Kpandegh, Elder Akura Orngu, and PDP House of Assembly Candidate for Logo, Hon. Aaron Akooma said what Sankera needs is not token projects but security.
“What the entire Sankera needs is security and nothing more,” they requested, describing Unongo’s speech as touching, pathetic and appealing.
The speakers pledged that Tombo community is ready to hold Unongo in trust based on his programmes and passion.
In his royal blessing, the Mue-Ter Ipusu, HRH Samuel Tukpegh, described Tyolumun Unongo as the true son of the late Wantaregh Paul Unongo, taking after him in character, courage and compassion.
He appreciated the N5.5 million donation and assured that Tombo people will continue to believe in Unongo and his Senate aspiration.
Led into the deserted Ayilamo village by former Council Chairman of Logo, Hon. David Uzenda, Unongo was accompanied by his Campaign Director-General, Rt. Terkaa Ucha, PDP Zonal Chairman, Abraham Waroh, former State Publicity Secretary of PDP Chief Oryina Orvaa, former Council Chairman of Ushongo, Cyril Gajir among others.
The visit ended with tears, prayers, and chants of “Unongo is our own” from women and youth who followed him to the edge of the deserted village.
