PDBDA calls for calm, urges respect for peace accord between Bachama, Tsobo communities
The Pene Da Bwatiye Development Association (PDBDA) has called for calm and strict adherence to the recently signed peace accord between the Bachama and Tsobo communities following renewed tensions triggered by inflammatory online publications.
In a statement jointly signed by the President of the association, Chief James Illiya, and its Secretary-General, Mr. Emmanuel Pwakavi Bapatu, the PDBDA expressed deep concern over a social media publication titled “Understanding Peace, Love and Respect” released by Dan Tsobo TV and circulated widely across multiple online platforms, including Hausa translations.
According to the statement, the publication contained “inflammatory content” capable of undermining the fragile peace painstakingly built between the two ethnic groups.
The association described the development as “a direct affront to constituted authority” and a breach of the spirit of reconciliation embodied in the peace accord recently signed by representatives of the Bwatiye communities of Rigangun and Waduku and their Tsobo counterparts.
“The PDBDA views this development with utter bewilderment and deep concern, especially given that the peace accord represented a critical step toward reconciliation and lasting stability. We typically prefer to operate through quiet diplomacy to de-escalate tension and restore peaceful coexistence. It is therefore regrettable that certain individuals have chosen to inflame passions rather than consolidate peace,” the statement said.
The association recalled that it had previously intervened in the crisis on July 8, 2025, when it made a public appeal for calm and dialogue between the warring sides. Despite these efforts, the situation had escalated at the time, leading to loss of lives and property and prompting the Adamawa State Government to impose a curfew to contain the violence.
Following months of engagement, a peace accord was reached and signed by both communities under the facilitation of traditional leaders and the PDBDA, a development hailed as a milestone toward lasting reconciliation.
The association lamented, however, that the peace process is now being threatened by reckless online commentaries.
“It is unfortunate that the terms of this accord are being disrespected and that efforts to malign others have been shifted to the volatile arena of social media. Such rhetoric is an ill wind that will blow no good. It will only undermine the fragile peace in the affected communities and stall ongoing efforts to build a more enduring coexistence. This must not be allowed to continue,” the statement said.
The statement warned that ego-driven narratives and misinformation on social media could easily reignite violence and undo the progress achieved so far through dialogue and community mediation.
Consequently, the PDBDA urged the Adamawa State Government to act swiftly by enforcing the existing peace accord and ensuring that all parties abide by their commitments. It also called for the introduction of “robust checks and balances” to prevent any party from taking unilateral actions that might alter the situation on the ground.
“We call on the government to strengthen and enforce the peace accord, introduce checks to maintain the status quo ante, and prevent provocative acts that could destabilize the area,” the statement emphasized.
In addition, the association called for regulatory measures to counter the spread of hate speech and fake news online. “Authorities must act swiftly to de-escalate the online rhetoric and hold accountable those who use social media to spread misinformation and incite violence,” the group warned.
The PDBDA further appealed to both the Bachama and Tsobo communities to exercise restraint and uphold the values of tolerance, respect, and dialogue. It reiterated its commitment to work with traditional institutions, security agencies, and government authorities to ensure a peaceful resolution to all lingering issues.
“We urge all communities involved to embrace the path of peace and support ongoing procedural efforts to find a just and lasting solution,” the statement concluded.
The Pene Da Bwatiye Development Association reaffirmed that sustainable peace can only be achieved through mutual respect, patience, and responsible communication not through divisive rhetoric or online confrontation.
