Herdsmen invasion: Agatu people give conditions to peace

AGATU people of Benue State have resolved not  to allow herdsmen into their land until Federal Government embark on reconstruction, rehabilitation and reconciliation of the area.

This was the resolution presented at the peace meeting held in Obagaji, headquarters of Agatu local government area of the state on Thursday.

The meeting was attended by governors of Nasarawa and Benue, Alhaji Umaru Tanko Al-Makura and Samuel Ortom respectively, deputy governor of Benue, Enginner Benson Abounu, top government officials of both states.

While presenting their demands, the sole administrator of the local government, Honourable Mike Inalegwu said that until their demands are met, no herdsmen be allowed into the council area.

Parts of the demands include; to reconstruct all the property damaged in the constant attacks of the Agatu communities, include the Agatu communities in the North East development commission or rather create their own commission.

According to the paper, ‘as a matter of urgency and priority, extend the same aid and gesture done to people of the North eastern part of Nigeria’ maintaining that the magnitude of destruction is unimaginable even as it has left the people still homeless and in anguish.

Also in their demands was creation of ranching and not grazing saying that the only solution to avoid incessant farmer and herdsmen clashes in the area.

The two governors however called on Agatu people not to impose stringent conditions but promised to come out with issues that would bring lasting solution into the perennial crises.

Speaking,  governor Samuel Ortom explained that the essence of the meeting was to dialogue and find new platform for peace between both states.

“We cannot continue to fold our hands and lament. We must find ways to resolve the crisis. Fighting would not add value to our lives”, Ortom said.

His Nasarawa counterpart Umaru Tanko Almakura warned that if the clashes between herdsmen and farmer is not properly attended to, it may snowball into clashes that will be unimaginable.

He urged the people not to agonize over the past but seek forgiveness and peace, noting that if the crisis is not resolved, posterity would judge them.

“Let us be blunt and not whip up sentiments. Let us stop agonizing over what has happened. We need to move forward and give our people sense of security and a ray of hope. Our relationship predates more than hundred years and should not be sacrificed on the altar of speculation.

Chairman of Miyetti Allah Alh. Hussaini pleaded for forgiveness from the Agatu people, assuring that they would live in peace with the people.