To enthrone lasting peace in his area, the Agatu Local Government Chairman of Benue State, Hon. Melvin Ejeh, has embarked on a peace mission to some neighbouring communities in Kogi State.
Ejeh, who also serves as the Deputy Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), led a delegation comprising opinion leaders, retired and serving security experts, ex-diplomats, religious figures, and respected community leaders.
The mission, which was initiated by the Benue State governor, Father Hyacinth Alia, led the delegation to Abejukolo, the headquarters of Omala Local Government Council, to meet with the Opatani and Omagede communities in Kogi State.
The peace mission was part of Ejeh’s continuous effort to establish lasting peace in Agatu, following insecurity caused by herdsmen activities and a boundary dispute with neighbouring communities.
During the peace mission, where the state governor, Father Hyacinth Alia, was represented by the Director-General of the Benue Peace and Reconciliation Commission, Josephine Habba, both warring parties emphasised the importance of dialogue and peaceful negotiation as lasting solutions for resolving discrepancies in the boundary communities.
Speaking at the event, where the high-profile delegation engaged the Opatani and Omagede people, Ejeh explained that his “Rescue Mission Agenda” aimed to establish lasting peace between the neighbouring communities.
While decrying the protracted insecurity caused by herdsmen invasions and the boundary disputes between the Opatani and Omagede communities, he called on the people to embrace peace.
The Agatu Local Government boss regretted that the insecurity occasioned by the land dispute had taken a devastating effect on the Agatu Local Government Council, leaving several people dead.
At a pivotal meeting held at the Abejukolo, Omala Local Government secretariat in Kogi State, Ejeh underscored his commitment to fostering lasting peace and robust relationships between Agatu boundary communities.
He acknowledged the devastating consequences of the disputes, which have resulted in loss of lives and destruction of properties, leaving the western part of Agatu vulnerable to herdsmen’s attacks.
The council chairman passionately urged the two communities to lay down their arms, tasking them to rather prioritise the future of the new generation.
The Agatu Local Government Council Chairman thanked the state governor, Father Hyacinth Alia, for his visionary leadership in the state, saying his efforts in leaving a peaceful and secured Benue State in general have seen positive results.
He was particularly thankful to the governor for not only deploying resources for the mission but also approving a powerful state delegation, saying their expertise in peace and conflict resolution made the delegation’s work easier
The council chairman also thanked the Chief of Defence State, General Christopher Musa for his continuous, unwavering support to Benue State, saying the troops of Operation Whirlstroke in the state have done excellently well in enthroning peace and harmony in the state.
He also expressed special appreciation to the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Brig. Gen L.G. Lepdung and his team for their commitment to ensuring peace in Agatu land, Benue state, and their AOR in General.
On her part, the Director General of the Benue Peace and Reconciliation Commission,
Josephine Habba, who stood in for the state governor, emphasised the importance of peace between Benue and Kogi communities.
She explained that peace and security were Governor Alia’s top priorities and urged the communities to forgive each other and embrace peace, noting that no meaningful achievement can be made in the face of rancour.
Also speaking, the Director General of Homeland Security, Air Commodore A.A. Gbamwuan Rtd., expressed concern that communal crises are hindering the agricultural potential of states, allowing external threats from suspected herdsmen to exploit the situation.
Traditional leaders representing Opatani and Omagede communities praised Ejeh’s groundbreaking initiative, acknowledging it as a pioneering effort by any leader.
They declared their communities’ commitment to peace and promised to lay down arms, returning to the harmony that once existed between them.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Edibo Ameh Mark, Chairman of Omala Local Government Council in Kogi State, expressed gratitude and assured the Agatu Chairman of his commitment to work collaboratively with him to establish lasting peace in the areas.
He commended Ejeh’s efforts towards ensuring peace and coexistence among the people, assuring his dedication to strengthening the relationship between the two local governments.
High-ranking security officials in attendance included the representative of the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Lt. Col. I. Sadiq; the Nigerian Navy’s component commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Navy Commander Manga; the representative of the State Director of DSS; and the Commissioner of Police for Benue.
Hon. Ejeh was accompanied to the meeting by prominent Agatu stakeholders, including Col. Isah O. (Rtd), Navy Commodore Odumu (Rtd), Alhaji Ibrahim U., and former House of Assembly member Hon. Audu Sule, among others.
ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
and then