…Sets communique implementation c’tee
By Brenda Agba & Sunday Iduh
The Benue State Government has reassured of its commitment to ensuring the security and welfare of its citizens, particularly those affected by boundary disputes and conflicts between herders and farmers in the Kwande region.
The government made this known Monday during a Security and Boundary Meeting held at the instance of the Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia at Government House, Makurdi.
Speaking during the meeting which lasted for over five hours, the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Barrister Sam Ode, who represented Governor Alia, stressed the need for regular interface, which he said is imperative in any peace process.
The Deputy Governor reiterated government’s dedication to safeguarding the people of Benue State, saying the administration remains committed in its responsibility to ensure the safety of its citizens.
“The Government of Benue State, led by His Excellency Reverend Father Doctor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has as its cardinal objective which is the protection of the welfare and security of our people. We are determined at all times to address all issues concerning their safety and are not resting on our oars”, he said
Barrister Ode disclosed that the government has never abdicated its duty to secure the people. He assured the affected communities that efforts are being intensified to restore peace, allowing displaced persons to return to their ancestral homes and resume their farming activities and other occupations.
“We are not unmindful of the pain that families in our communities have had to bear as a result of killings that have occurred in the recent past. We want you to be sure that we will go all out to defend you within all the constitutional means available to us”, he added.
In a bid to ensure the implementation of actionable strategies and resolutions reached during the meeting, a communiqué drafting/ implementation committee was set up.The committee is expected to forward these strategies to the relevant authorities and follow up for implementation.
Members of the committee include a Desk Officer from the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Surveyors Samuel Nambativ and Peter Oyinu, Security Advisor (Internal) Joseph Har, and the Kwande Local Government Chairman, Vitalis Neji, among others.
In their various contributions, the Tor Kwande, His Royal Highness, Ambrose Iortyer, the Ter Kwande, His Royal Highness, Engr Timothy Ahile, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Hon Fidelis Unongu as well as the President General of the Turan Development Association, Mr Festus Terkura Iorkyaa, noted that, apart from the incessant farmers/herder’s crisis, the issue of illegal mining activities also plays a major role in the crisis within the area, and further commended the state government for the proactive steps taken to resolve the conflict, appealing for permanent solutions to ensure that peace to returns to the area
