By Samson Osuo-Lafia.
A Youth group in Toto Local Government Council of Nasarawa State, Ayikwu Egbura Onobihun Association, has called on Governor Abdullahi Sule to reconsider his plan to return Bassa People to their Communities in the area.
Sule, after due consultation with stakeholders across the State, has announced a plan to return displaced Bassa People to their ancestral homes in the Council Area.
Speaking during a Media briefing on Sunday in Toto, the headquarters of the Council Area, the President of the Association, Alhaji Suleiman Musa, said the Egbura and Bassa are the two major tribes in the Council, adding that the Bassa people flee the area due to communal conflict between them and the Egbura ethnic group.
Represented by his Vice, Prince Hamisu Omaki, the President argued that Members of the Association are not in support of the Governor’s plan to return the Bassa people because their coming will pose more threat to peace and stability in the Local Government Council.
“The historical context and intricacies of the community situation cannot be overlooked, the unresolved disputes and animosity between the Egbura and Bassa too have resulted in violence, loss of lives, and the displacement of countless families, rushing the return of Bassa community to Toto LGA without addressing the root causes and ensuring the safety and security of all parties involved is a reckless move that could reignite the flames of conflict”.
He revealed that the Bassa community militia had attacked Egbura people several times in their Communities resulting in many casualties, including the District Heads of Okatakpa, Aggeh, Ohege, Okuwa, and Ogya to mention but few, stating that instead of returning these people, the Governor should look beyond and prioritize peacebuilding efforts that are youth inclusive over hasty actions.
“It is imperative to engage all relevant stakeholders, including community leaders, traditional rulers, and most importantly the youth representatives, in open dialogue and consultation to chart a sustainable path towards reconciliation and lasting peace”.
He urged the State Governor to first intervene decisively in resolving the underlying issues fueling the communal crisis between the two ethnic groups, such as land disputes, resource allocation, and socio-political marginalization for sustainable peace to take place before their return.
