From Scholastica Onyeka, Makurdi
In a bid to strengthen the peace agreement earlier signed by communities of Konshisha and Oju Local Government Areas, (LGAs), the Benue State Government in collaboration with an international non-governmental- organization (NGO), Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (CHD), has inaugurated a joint peace committee from both communities.
A peace agreement was signed by members of Bonta in Konshisha LGA l, and Ukpute in Oju LGA, after series of peace meetings facilitated by CHD, signalling a commitment by both communities to end the protracted crisis in the areas.
Inaugurating the committee yesterday, in Makurdi, Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by his Deputy, Mr. Sam Ode, said the state government is fully committed to the peace process between Bonta and Ukpute communities of Konshisha and Oju Local Governments respectively.
Ode stated that the committee members and all the stakeholders in the areas are expected to ensure that enduring peace is achieved, saying Oju and Konshisha have lived together as brothers and sisters in that corridor and should not see themselves as enemies.
“The Alia led administration is fully committed to finally put to rest the lingering boundary issues between Konshisha and Oju. We will ensure the demarcation is done.”
The deputy governor, said it was unfortunate that criminal elements have attempted to disrupt the peace in these communities, stressing the need for communities to imbibe the spirit of brotherhood and work for the progress of their communities.
“I am the warehouse, the secretariat, and the link to the government. All facilities required will be made available to them. At the end of the day, the success of the committee will be remembered for the resolution of the conflict,” Ode said.
While commending HD and the youth leaders in the two local governments for their efforts over the years, Sam Ode advised the youth leaders to support the committee as its success rest mostly on their shoulders.
The Lead facilitator of HD, Dr Ahmed Bwana, appreciated the state government for its commitment to peace moves in the state. He advised that everything should be done to ensure lasting peace and expressed the resolve of HD to sustain the peace process.
Dr Bwana urged the committee members to make their communities and the government of the state proud, stating that there is a nexus between peace and development emphasizing that without trust, the process would not succeed.
In their separate remarks, Ter Kyor, His Royal High Highness, Jam Gbinde represented by Mue Ter, Shange Tiev, Moses Kyaram and the Ad’Oju His Royal Highness, Daniel Ulegede lauded the efforts of the Benue State government and HD towards achieving lasting peace in their communities.
They expressed delight that the two communities will finally enjoy peace, disclosing that the communities had lived peacefully and done things together. He assured that the committee will do all that is required of it to ensure that lasting peace is restored between them.
Members of the Konshisha-Oju Peace Committee include HRH Daniel Ulegede, John Okpong, Engr. Okpe Onah, Ijwo Peter, Susan Ogbaji, Mike Ube, Mike Okoh, SP Moses Ali, Motor Okwu, Oga Sunday Okwu, Okoo Akira and Muster Moses Kyarem all from Oju LGA while the members from Konshisha include Akaakegh Titus, Achirgbenda Emmanuel, Achi Adeti, Bridget Atetam, Godwin Shikaan, Tepsea Naajime, Emmanuel Ihie, Rev. Iorchir, SP Amos Markus and Dr Moses Karvnam.
Members of the Konshisha /Oju dialogue steering committee after months of deliberations on a number of contentious issues, signed a natural resources peace agreement on 14 August 2023.