To enthrone lasting peace in his area, Agatu Local Government chairman of Benue State, Melvin Ejeh, has embarked on a peace mission to some neighbouring communities in Kogi State.
Ejeh, who is also serving as deputy chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, led emissaries comprising opinion leaders, retired and serving security experts, ex-diplomats, religious and respected community leaders on the mission.
The mission, which was at the instance of the Benue State governor, Father Hyacinth Alia, led the delegation to Abejukolo, the headquarters of Omala Local Government Council to meet with Opatani Omagede communities in Kogi State.
The peace mission was part of Ejeh’s continuous desperate search to enthrone a lasting peace in Agatu, following insecurity occasioned by herdsmen activities and boundary dispute with neighbouring communities.
During the peace mission where the state governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia was represented by the Director General of Benue Peace and Reconciliation Commission, Josephine Habba, both warring parties emphasised the significance of dialogue and peaceful negotiation as lasting solutions in settling any discrepancy in the boundary communities.
Speaking at the event where the high-profile delegation engaged Opatani and Omagede people, Ejeh explained that his “Rescue Mission Agenda” was to see a lasting peace between the neighbouring communities.
While decrying the protracted insecurity caused by herdsmen invasion and boundary disputes between Opatani and Omagede communities, he called on the people to embrace peace.
The Agatu Local Government boss regretted that insecurity occasioned by the land dispute had taken a devastating effect on Agatu Local Government Council, leaving several people dead.
At a pivotal meeting held at the Abejukolo, Omala Local Government secretariat in Kogi State, Ejeh underscored his commitment to fostering lasting peace and robust relationships between Agatu boundary communities.
He acknowledged the devastating consequences of the disputes, which have resulted in loss of lives and destruction of properties, leaving the western part of Agatu vulnerable to herdsmen’s attacks.
The council chairman passionately urged the two communities to lay down their arms, tasking them to rather prioritize the future of the new generation.
The Agatu Local Government Council Chairman thanked the state governor, Father Hyacinth Alia, for his visionary leadership in the state, saying his efforts in leaving a peaceful and secured Benue State in general have seen positive results.
He was particularly thankful to the governor for not only deploying resources for the mission but also approving a powerful state delegation, saying their expertise in peace and conflict resolution made the delegation’s work easier
The council chairman also thanked the Chief of Defence State, General Christopher Musa for his continuous unwavering support to Benue State, saying the troops of Operation Whirl stroke in the state have done excellently well in enthroning peace and harmony in the state.
He also expressed special appreciation to the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Brig Gen L.G. Lepdung and his team for their commitment to ensuring peace in Agatuland, Benue State, and their AOR in general.
On her part, the Director General of the Benue Peace and Reconciliation Commission.
Josephine Habba, who stood in for the state governor, emphasised the importance of peace between Benue and Kogi communities.
She explained that peace and security were Governor Alia’s top priority and urged the communities to forgive each other and embrace peace, noting that no meaningful achievement can be made in the face of rancour.
Also speaking, the Director General of Homeland Security, Air Commodore A.A. Gbamwuan (retd) expressed concern that communal crises are hindering the agricultural potential of states, allowing external threats from suspected herdsmen to exploit the situation.
Traditional leaders representing Opatani and Omagede communities praised Ejeh’s groundbreaking initiative, acknowledging it as a pioneering effort by any leader.
They declared their communities’ commitment to peace and promised to lay down arms, returning to the harmony that once existed between them.
In a closing remark, Hon. Edibo Ameh Mark, Chairman of Omala Local Government Council of Kogi State, expressed gratitude and assured the Agatu Chairman of his commitment to work collaboratively with him to enthrone lasting peace in the areas.
He commended Ejeh’s efforts towards ensuring peace and coexistence among the people, assuring his commitment to work towards strengthening the relationship between the two local governments.
High-ranking security officials in attendance included the representative of the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Lt Col I. Sadiq, Nigerian Navy’s Component Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Navy Commander Manga, and representative of state Director of DSS, and Commissioner of Police for Benue.
Hon. Ejeh was accompanied to the meeting by prominent Agatu stakeholders, including Col. Isah O. (retd), Navy Commodore Odumu (retd), Alhaji Ibrahim U, and former House of Assembly member, Hon. Audu Sule, among others.