It is no longer news that Bonta in Konshisha and Ukpute in Oju local government areas of Benue state have violently and repeatedly clashed over land with the Bonta aggressors prosecuting an expansionist agenda. The communities, especially Ukpute and its environs, have complained bitterly and cried to the Benue state government for intervention and rehabilitation of the internally displaced persons, without results as the media have been awash with horrific scenes of burnt houses, properties and brutalities, bloodbath, killings and arson that have led to paralysis of economic and farming activities and mass displacements of citizens who are forced to be refugees on their own homeland. This continues unabated.
Following the renewed attacks between the two neighbours, schools have been shut down with the only road linking Makurdi-Aliade-Awajir-Oju and Obi blocked for more than a month now. Today, the people are faced with social dislocation and tension as the general atmosphere is that of mistrust, fear, anxiety and frenzy; dehumanisation of women, children and men alike, and deepening of hunger and poverty in the society. The ugly scenario is unthinkable but lingers on
This is not only bad but nasty and worrisome! No one gains. We are all losers and victims of the conflict! The Benue state government must therefore take full responsibility in listening to the voices of the affected families and communities towards providing a lasting solution to the current chaotic moment. We need peace.
It is no news to express the view that the persistent conflicts, bloodbath and hostilities experienced among Bonta and Ukpute are rooted in land dispute which keeps rekindling since the 60s. The crisis resurfaced in 1997, June 2020 and again in March 2021. We keep hearing of attempts and media hypes by the state government to demarcate boundary but we are however yet to see a working solution that can permanently quell the conflagration threatening the two border communities!
It is said that a problem known is a problem half-solved. We still believe in this assertive maxim. To bring lasting peace to the disputed communities, the crisis must be treated from its tap root without further delay. To our understanding, ‘…as soon as possible’ being used repeatedly by the Benue state government is no solution. Thus, the mantra of Governor Ortom’s administration of “as soon as possible”, as stated during the recent briefing during the expanded Benue State Security Council Peace Meeting is an open-ended promise. This may not be helpful as we may easily slip into another wave of chaos. In other words, the demarcation of the boundary between Ukpute and Bonta is needed now more than ever before.
It is worth noting that the state government has made several attempts to put an end to the crisis but yielded no desired result since the tap root of the conflict has not yet been treated with priority and vigour.
Also, several other peace initiatives by the communities including exchange of food, novelty match and peace treaties between Bonta and Ukpute communities have been violated especially by Bonta. Urgent boundary demarcation through erection of walls or Roman pillars is therefore needed. So also is the erection of a sign board announcing the arrival or departure at the boundary of the two communities.
I therefore call on the state government for the erection of the boundary wall urgently. I also appeal that, from Aprofim to the main boundary (old Idoma/Tiv Native Authority boundary) should be donated as a BUFFER ZONE to the Nigerian military to establish an outpost to protect lives and properties.
Another worrisome impediment of the crisis faced by the people; even those that are neither from Bonta nor Ukpute, is the blockage of the state road, especially the Oju-Awajir Road for over a month. As deplorable as the road is, the only road from the state headquarters to Oju and Obi cannot afford to be closed indefinitely. Imagine when the citizens cannot access their state headquarters. It means they have been cut off and deprived of their rights of movement, association and fair hearing. This is worrisome and the state government should open up the road with dispatch.
There is no gain in hostility, let the past be bygone and no one should revisit it since we cannot retrieve the lives of those wasted in the avoidable crisis. The teeth and tongue located in the mouth do touch but do not separate. The youths are encouraged to imbibe the spirit of love, make friends with one another, avoid further crisis and create genuine understanding to live together as one.
Finally, as a reminder, the state government under our able Governor Samuel Ortom should without further delay demarcate the boundary between Bonta and Ukpute while we assure that a parcel of land is available for donation by Ukpute people to the Army for a military outpost to keep the peace. Checkpoints should be mounted in selected areas along the road as this will facilitate the return of displaced people to their homes, and facilitate regular activities such as business, farming and education as well as continuation of social life and friendship ties between the two neighbours.
The Bonta and Ukpute people are encouraged to discontinue armed confrontations, acts of violence and hostility. I advise the people of the two communities to unite as brothers and sisters in fraternal love. Without love, there is no peace. Without peace, there is no development, and without development, the poor and the less privileged will continue to suffer. God help Governor Ortom to carry on with courage and fairness to all Benue people.
Alewu, President, Igede Progressive Elite Caucus Association (IPECA), writes via [email protected]
