Nasarawa/Benue Governors Set Up Task Force For The Disarmament Of Warring Communities

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Rabiu Omaku

The Governor’s Of Nasarawa and Benue state in a concerted effort to ensure a sustainable peace among the ethnic groups in the two states has taken a bold steps towards addressing the increasing spate of Fulani/Farmers clash,The Governor of Nasarawa state in a communique issued out to Journalist at the Government House,Lafia.

The recent imbroglio may not be unconnected to the alleged killings of 30 Fulani herdsmen in Loko,Nasarawa Local Government by Agatu ,Stakeholders from the two states has taken a position through the mopping of illegal arms and ammunitions

The two Governors, stakeholders including monarchs have recommended that Task Force for the disarmament of sophisticated weapons in the two states, They jointly resolved that the two states should establish Joint security committee for the two states.

Others recommendations are

-That the two states should tackle the crisis frontally

Intensify surveillance and patrol activities in their borders areas

-Identify the perpetrators, sponsors/financiers of the heinous crime and be made to face the full wrath of the law

-Identify and expose routes and hideouts being used by criminals and gangs and their collaborators.

-Allow fulani herdsmen access to and from across river Benue

-Fulani herdsmen should refrain from trespassing and occupying farmlands and communities.

-Farmers and herdsmen should also refrain from taking laws into their hands at the slightest provocation; they should endeavour to report any trespass or breach of their rights to the constituted authority nearest to them.

-Every community should take security issues seriously and as a matter of priority establish a local security committee comprising community leaders, security personnel, and youth and vigilante groups.

-The committee should undertake advocacy and enlightenment, profiling of immigrants into communities and mopping illegal arms and ammunition as well as disarmament of both sides.

-Regular visit on each other by traditional rulers and chairmen of Local Government councils from Nasarawa and Benue states.

-Establishment of Joint security committee for the two states to ensure total disarmament by both communities in Nasarawa and Benue states.

-Task Force for disarmament by the two states.

Other recommendations are

-Constitution of Joint peace and reconciliation committee by the two states with members as follows:

-Vigilante groups at the border areas of the two states.

Long Term

-Nasarawa and Benue liaison with the federal Government should set-up grazing areas and also encourage the establishment of ranches by individuals, groups and organization for cattle rearing, and

-Nasarawa and Benue states in liaison with the national boundary commission should look into the issue of demarcation of boundaries between the two states.

The peace pact was attended by Deputy Governor’s of the two states, Secretaries to the Government of Nasarawa and Benue states, Participants commended the two Governors for their holistic approach towards sustainable peace.

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