From Hauwa'u Mohammed KEFFI
The Ayikwu Egbura Onobihun Youth Association in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State has appealed to Governor Abdullahi Sule to reconsider his plan to return the Bassa community to the area, citing concerns over potential threats to peace and stability.
The President of the association, Alhaji Suleiman Musa, represented by his Vice, Prince Hamisu Omaki, made the appeal during a press conference held in Toto on Sunday.
Rimawaglobalnews reports that the Egbura and Bassa ethnic groups in Toto LGA have had a long history of communal crises, leading to the displacement of the Bassa community from the area.
Addressing the media, Omaki expressed the association's disapproval of the governor's decision, emphasizing the need to resolve the root causes of the ongoing crisis before facilitating the return of the Bassa community.
"The historical context and intricacies of the Bassa community situation cannot be overlooked. The unresolved disputes and animosity between the Egbura and Bassa communities have led to violence, loss of lives, and displacement of families. Rushing their return without addressing these issues could reignite conflict," he said.
He alleged that militia attacks by the Bassa community on Egbura communities in Toto LGA have resulted in casualties, including the deaths of district heads from Okatakpa, Aggeh, Ohege, Okuwa, and Ogya, among others.
The association urged Governor Sule to prioritize peace-building efforts over hasty decisions. It recommended the involvement of all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, youth representatives, and community leaders, in an inclusive dialogue to achieve lasting peace.
"We appeal to the governor to focus on addressing the underlying issues fueling the communal crisis, such as land disputes, resource allocation, and socio-political marginalization. Sustainable peace can only be achieved through justice, equity, and inclusive governance," Omaki added.
The association further called for a comprehensive conflict resolution strategy that upholds justice, dialogue, and human rights, while pledging its readiness to work constructively with all stakeholders toward harmonious coexistence in Toto LGA.
In conclusion, the youth association thanked members of the state executive and legislative arms of government for their commitment to the development of the state and efforts to resolve the crisis in Toto LGA.
