Communal Conflict: Govs Alia, Otu Hold Peace Meeting

Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia on Wednesday met with his Cross River State counterpart, Senator Bassey Otu, at a joint meeting of government officials on the Benue/Cross River Interstate boundary peace meeting held at Ijiegu-Yache in Yala local government area of Cross River State.

While delivering his speech, the Benue State Governor, represented by his Deputy, Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, mni, said the government of Benue State is poised to ensure that concrete measures are put in place to bring lasting peace to the affected communities.

The Governor further stated that Benue delegation were in Cross River State with a message of hope from the government and people of Benue State.

“We are here to make peace between Yache-Yala community in Cross River State and Konshisha people of Benue State. We have come with a message of hope for the victims and those who are displaced as a result of the crisis”.

“It is unfortunate that our communities that have coexisted peacefully for many years have now taken arms against one another. We should not allow the long-standing relationship between the two states to be affected by the land dispute.

“I want to inform you that all our citizens in Benue who are involved in this crisis wil be fished out and punished according to the provisions of the law to serve as deterrence to others”, he said.

ALSO READ: Professor Opere To Deliver LASU 90th Inaugural Lecture

Governor Alia while appreciating the effort of the Cross River State government in ensuring that the crisis does not escalate, also assured that Benue State government will not rest on its oars until peace returns to the affected communities.

He equally extended a hand of fellowship to the people of Yala community and commiserated with the family of the person who lost his life during the crisis and all those affected by the unfortunate incident.

The Governor further stressed the need for security personnel to be stationed around the affected border communities to safeguard the lives and property of the people.

Also speaking, Governor of Cross State, Senator Bassey Otu, represted by his Deputy Rt. Hon. Peter Ode thanked the Benue State Governor for his swift response to the peace meeting aimed at bringing an end to the lingering crisis.

“We are here to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the problem and what could be done to stop the long-standing hostilities in the area.

“Equally, we have to put modalities in place to ensure that there is peace between the two communities”, he concluded.

The peace meeting which was aimed at resolving the boundary dispute between Benue and Cross River states had in attendance some top government functionaries and security officials from both states.