Benue/Nasarawa Border Crisis: Ex-Minister Says Benue Govt Used  Air force To Strike, Killed Cows In Giza

Rabiu Omaku

In no distance time, the lingering border crisis between Benue and Nasarawa State may come to an end, The recent meeting, in which the two Deputy Governors of Benue and Nasarawa State are in attendance from indication may bring everlasting peace.

 

Other stakeholders in the meeting are former Minister of Justice, State, Musa Elayo who during his days as Minister served as the Chairman of Cameroun/Nigeria Bakkasi border dispute, others are former Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Musa Hussaini.

 

Others are Member Federal House of Representatives representing Awe/Doma/Keana Federal Constituency, Honorable Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba, former Chairman of Keana Local Government, Jibrin Sabo Keana and the Majority leader of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Hon.Tanko Tunga and a host of paramount rulers in the disputed Communities.

 

Also, the two surveyors Generals of Benue and Nasarawa grace the parley, The former Minister of Justice in his submission gave a vivid explanation of how Tiv people from Benue State trespassed into Nasarawa State land.

 

Musa Elayo who is currently a traditional title holder in Keana Local Government Council expressed concern over the way and manner constituted authorities like the National Boundary Commission remain mute over the incessant attacks on the people of Nasarawa State by Tivs within the border Communities.

 

The former Member Federal House of Representatives representing Awe/Doma/Keana Federal constituency said Benue State has violated the 1916,1919, and 1924 laws, saying no state is above the existing laws, quoting authorities with the presentation of exhibits inherited from the colonial masters.

 

The former Minister urged the Director-General of NBC, Adamu Adaji to set aside sentiment, ensuring Justice, Equity, and respect in the cause addressing inter boundary dispute, Musa Elayo says people leaving between the border towns of Benue especially people of Keana, Giza, and its environs are in trepidation of another round of airstrike by Air force from Benue State killing cows of Fulani’s in recent time.

 

Saying the airstrike in Tiv settlement in Giza instill fears amongst people within the borders of an imminent attack by Airforce coming from Benue state, in addition, condemned the act in its totality.

 

Elayo while giving a dawn verdict expressed discontentment over trauma and shocked people of Giza, Keana and other settlements like Jangargari in Awe Local Government and Gidan Rai and Akpanaja in Doma Local Government Council passes through.

 

Going back memory lane, He said North-Bank in Makurdi down to Obendo,

Akpanaja, Gidan Rai is originally owned by Alago speaking people of Nasarawa State, adding that some portion of that land was ceded to Benue state without any chaos by Alago people.

 

However said something urgent must be done to end the unabated impasse that if rime is not taking would consume the sister states, he further said the time is now that insecurity is on the increase.

 

His Royal Highness, The Osana of Keana, Abdullahi Amegwa Agbo appreciated the National Boundary Commission for the steps taken to end the inter boundary rift between the two States.

 

Stating further that the crisis would not proffer a solution to issues that have to do with a boundary dispute.

 

Also speaking, The former Chairman of Keana Local Government Council, Honorable Jibrin Sabo Keana (JSK) explained to the Commission how Tiv people from Benue State demolished clinics and other social amenities built by him when he held sway as a Council Chairman in the ’90s.

 

JSK explained that the recalcitrant go scot-free of the crime they committed, The Surveyor General of Nasarawa State sued for maximum cooperation from Benue State and NBC for a good result at the end of the exercise

 

He reacted over the instrument of dialogue, adding that some ambiguities need to be clear from the existing laws.

 

He told the National Boundary Commission that 15 boundaries are without beacons on Benue’s side, Some of the towns according to the Surveyor General are Akpanaja, Giza, Gwer, Guma, etc..

 

He further said the Government of Nasarawa State would accord all necessary support to end the quagmire in it entirety

 

The Surveyor General of Benue State in his submission expressed shock over the killings of 5 surveyors in the State, adding that insecurity would not allow them to do their work diligently.

 

He insisted that the National Boundary Commission should expedite action by clearing mines along with the disputed land before the commencement of the exercise to avoid setbacks and other casualties.

 

He also insisted that NBC should as a matter of urgency establish a disputes committee.

 

The Chairman Committee on the boundary from Benue state, Engineer Benson Abounu thanked the Government of Nasarawa State and the NBC for their maturity during the broad meeting.

 

He advised that in the subsequent meeting of such magnitude Youth should be involved to make meaningful contributions instead of sidelining them.

 

He also prayed that all issues discussed would be implemented to the barest minimum for peace to reign amongst the sister States.

 

Describing peace as an essential artery for the development of every nation, The Deputy Governor insisted on dialogue instead of shifting blame to one side.

 

Engineer Benson Abounu said the fulcrum of the unending crisis was connected to the pace of development that took place leading to the blockage of grazing routes.

 

The Chairman of Benue State Committee on Boundary attested that worship places like Mosques and Churches is sitting on grazing routes.

 

“I would recall that the Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong says the Government House at Rayfield is sitting on grazing routes”.

 

Saying how many of such barriers to cattle routes are, He appealed to the National Boundary Commission to ensure the total implementation of policies and decisions that would end boundary disputes.

 

Engineer Benson buttressed that apart from Benue, Nasarawa border rift, the State had issues between Benue-Ebonyi, Taraba, and Cross River states, He explained that the entire issues needed sensitivity analysis.

 

The Deputy Governor pleaded with Nasarawa stakeholders to consider the cordial relationship that exists between the Federating units before the creation of states. Saying litigation is not the solution to the lingering crisis rather dialogue.

 

The Nasarawa State Chairman, committee on the boundary, Dr.Emmanuel Akabe appreciates Benue and the NBC effort to end the unabated trespassing of Nasarawa land,  Asking pertinent questions.

 

“Why are we here, if NBC did not finish its assignment?

He urged the concerned authorities to act fast in the interest of peace amongst the sisters’ state.