The Member of Parliament for Wa West, Peter Lanchene Toobu (Supt. Rtd), has called for the feuding factions in his constituency to end the conflict and give peace a chance.
At a press conference organised by the lawmaker in Wa Sunday, June 16, 2024, he urged residents of Lassia-Tuolu and Kendeu to battle the real adversaries of poverty and disease confronting them, rather than turning against each other.
“This inter-community disagreement between the good people of Lassia Tuolu and Kendeu that erupted into violent attacks with recorded fatalities on the 15th of June 2024 is unfortunate, to say the least,” he said at the press conference.
“Brothers and sisters, if there is any battle to fight, we should unite to fight against poverty, deprivation, ignorance, and under-development,” he added.
“No conflict can be resolved through the use of lethal or non-lethal force. Excessive anger has no place in conflict resolution. Let’s allow cool heads to reign,” the MP further admonished.
Expressing his condolences to the bereaved families, the MP also cautioned the media to be circumspect in its reportage in order not to fuel the misunderstanding, whilst commending the police for its timely intervention during the conflict.
Find below the full release:
KENDEU AND LASSIA-TUOLU CONFLICT
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen of the media.
I have had friendly encounters with the media in the past three years since assuming office as the Member of Parliament representing the good people of Wa West. Unfortunately, today’s meeting is on a very sad note where lives have been lost in an inter-community conflict.
This inter-community disagreement between the good people of Lassia-Tuolu and Kendeu that erupted into violent attacks with recorded fatalities on the 15th of June 2024 is unfortunate, to say the least .
I want to commend the Police, military, and other security agencies in the region for the timely response.
I am strongly appealing to the feuding parties to give peace a chance.
No conflict can be resolved through the use of lethal or non-lethal force. Excessive anger has no place in conflict resolution. Let’s allow cool heads to reign.
My deepest condolences to the families of the deceased persons. I wish the injured and wounded a speedy recovery. May this never be repeated anywhere in the district. We love the peaceful co-existence we have enjoyed over the years.
Brothers and sisters, if there is any battle to fight, we should unite to fight against poverty, deprivation, ignorance, and under-development.
Let me urge you in the media and the general public to be cautious of misinformations regarding this issue and verify facts from the appropriate quarters before publication to prevent escalations.
I also entreat all to support the return of peace between the feuding parties in Lassia-Tuolu and Kendeu.
God bless us all.
Thank you.
