Benue warring communities agree to sheathe sword

Two warring communities in two local government areas of Benue State have agreed to sheathe their swords and allow peace to reign amongst them. This was after Governor Samuel Ortom appealed to them to give peace a chance, saying there was no alternative to dialogue. Ortom made the appeal when he visited the war-torn communities […]

Two warring communities in two local government areas of Benue State have agreed to sheathe their swords and allow peace to reign amongst them.

This was after Governor Samuel Ortom appealed to them to give peace a chance, saying there was no alternative to dialogue.

Ortom made the appeal when he visited the war-torn communities of Bonta in Konshisha LGA and Ukpute in Oju LGA of the state where many people have been killed and villages burnt in the course of their crisis.

Also, 12 military personnel, who went on peace mission, were killed in the area in April, this year.

Traditional rulers from the opposing sides stressed the need for peace during the meeting. 

Tor Jechira, Chief Clement Uganden who represented Tor Tiv, and Oche Otukpo-Ohimini, Chief Mike Okochi representing the Och’Idoma commended the peace initiative of the governor, pointing out that with his determination, the two communities would witness peace again.

Speaking on behalf of the youths from the communities, Terkula Akaakar, Emmanuel Akpen and Mike Ube said they agreed to the peace message brought by the governor but appealed that concrete steps be taken to amicably resolve the issues.

The governor, who led government functionaries, top politicians and security chiefs on the peace process to the communities, emphasised the need for peace to prevail in the area.

“There should be no more hostilities. I enjoin you to embrace peace and dialogue,” Ortom said.

Similarly, the traditional rulers from the two communities promised  to abide by the peace accord initiated by the state government.