Benue state governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, Monday, initiated moves to put an end to the lingering crisis between Bonta community from Konshisha Local Government area and Okpute from Oju local Government area both of the state.
The governor to this end has sent a peace delegation led by the Commissioner for Humanitarian and Disaster Management, Hon. Aondowase Kunde, Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof Moses Ogbaji, Special Adviser to the state Governor on Security, Hon. Joseph Har among others to Bonta and Ukpute respectively, to de-escalate a renewed crisis in the areas.
It was learnt that last Saturday, September 30, 2023, youths from both communities took to the streets in demonstration against recent incidents in the area which resulted in serious tension in both communities.
It was said that the governor, on hearing of the incident, quickly sent a peace delegation to the communities to ensure that the crisis did not escalate.
While members of the delegation took time to address the people of the two communities on the need to support government efforts towards maintaining peaceful coexistence in their area, Kunde said the governor had sent them to appeal to the people to sheath their swords and give peace a chance.
“We are here for peace. This is a time we should be rejoicing. We have suffered so much in Benue in the past and God has sent his son, Alia, to put smiles on our faces. So we should not be engaging in another violence.
“As the commissioner of Humanitarian and Disaster Management, it is my intention to bring relief to the people and not to come and settle crises.
“Very soon, I will be returning with palliatives for the people, so I urge you all to stay in peace. No matter the level of provocation, you should choose peace. As work resumes on Tuesday, His Excellency has promised he will find time to come for lasting peace,” he added.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof Moses Ogbaji, discouraged the youths of both communities from carrying arms against one another, urging them to embrace dialogue and peace.
Ogbaji, who called on the youths to engage themselves meaningfully said the Government has subsidized fertilizers for Benue farmers and has also provided inputs and urged them to take advantage of the opportunity and do meaningful things.
“Governor Alia sent us to greet you, that he has not forgotten you and promises to return to say thank you.
“He is not interested in who started the trouble but interested in maintaining peace. So I appeal to you to allow peace reign. Guns and machetes are no longer solving problems but dialogue.”So if you need more fertilizers for your agricultural activities, come to me, Government will supply to you,” Ogbaji said.
Alia moves to end Bonta, Okpute communal crisis
