The Benue State House of Assembly has called on the Benue State Government to assume control of the disputed Mbakyaa, Mbaper and Dzev forest land in Ishangev-Ya, Kwande Local Government Area. This decision aims to prevent further clashes and establish lasting peace in the area
The House took the decision during plenary on Tuesday after the member representing Kwande West Constituency, Honourable Thomas Dugeri moved a motion of urgent public importance calling for the intervention of the House
The Assembly urged the Benue State Government to intervene in the communal crisis and deploy adequate security operatives to maintain peace and order to prevent further violence and protect the affected communities.
Hon. Dugeri who informed the House that the communal conflict between the Dzev and Mbakyaa kindreds has been ongoing for several years, despite attempts at peaceful resolution, highlighted the urgent need for state intervention to prevent the crisis from escalating further.
“If decisive action is not taken by the state government, the crisis will continue to escalate and may result in further breakdown of law and order, displacement of residents, loss of lives and deepening mistrust among the affected communities”, Hon. Dugeri added
In a separate matter, the Benue State House of Assembly has directed the Commissioner of Trade and Industry, to meet with traders regarding the Benue Sacks initiative. The purpose of the initiative, according to the House, is to identify Benue State products across the country.
The House gave the directive when the Commissioner for Trade and Industry, Hon. Alumo Orpin and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Market Monitoring and Coordination, Hon. Imoter Akaager appeared before it on.
The Assembly also expressed concern over the excessive actions of Task Force staff, who have been confiscating products from marketers not stored in Benue Sacks.
The Commissioner, while responding to questions asked by members earlier, confirmed that Benue Sacks are widely available across all markets in the state, with prices ranging from N600 to N700.Hon.
Alumo offered a sincere apology to the House for the overzealous actions of Task Force staff. The Commissioner’s apology aims to address the issue and find a resolution to the controversy surrounding the enforcement of the Benue Sacks initiative.
A report on the outcome of the meeting with traders is expected to be turned in within two weeks.
