Benue: Tor Tiv moves to resolve Ugambe-Mbaiase crisis

Gives two day ultimatum to chase out killers in the two communities

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

In a bid to restore permanent peace between Ugambe and Mbaiase communities of Shangev Tiev and Masev of Konshisha and Gwer East Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State, the Paramount Ruler of the Tiv nation, Orcivirigh Prof James Ayatse has issued a two day ultimatum to traditional rulers to rid their domains of militia and hired killers in the area.

The Tor Tiv handed down this order while addressing the traditional rulers of the two affected LGAs with their two Council Chairmen in his Palace in Gboko LGA.

The Tor, after listening to the leaders who traced the major cause of the crisis land, admonished the traditional rulers especially village heads to desist from the practice of harbouring hired killers terrorizing their communities thus prolonging the crisis between the two local governments.

He urged them to revert to the love and peaceful coexisting practices of their forefathers who welcomed all and sundry, a development that has been disregarded paving the way for unnecessary disputes that escalated to uncontrolled violence and loss of lives and property.

He directed the two Mue Ter from Shangev Tiev and Masev to ensure that those killing villagers in the two communities and perpetrating violence were chased from the areas.

The Tor Tiv called on the State government to urgently complete the demarcation of the boundary between Ugambe and Mbaiase with a view to unite them and have a permanent peace adding that the crisis has drastically reduced the area to abject poverty.

He commended the tireless efforts of the two Local Government Chairmen, the First and Second Chiefs who have committed to restoring permanent peace between Ugambe and Mbaiyase communities, urging them to keep up the good work.

The Chairmen of Konshisha, Moses Chikyaa and Gwer East, Timothy Adi the Tor Jechira and Tor Gwer Chief Julius Aondona and Chief Edward Ujege lauded the wisdom of the Tor Tiv for intervening in the protracted crisis which they pointed out have defiled all solutions. They assuring that they would adhere to the directive handed over to them so as to realize the desired peace and tranquility in the affected areas.