By Rabiu Doma, Nasarawa
In spite of the holistic measures supposedly taken by Governor of Nasarawa State, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura to combat the unabated communal and ethnic conflict that had enveloped Nasarawa southern region in the last twenty six months, peace remains elusive.
Instead of applauding Governor Al-Makura, Governor of Benue state, Gabriel Suswan has apportioned blame to the Government of Nasarawa for harboring Fulani mercenaries and other-like terrorists.
The Governor unleashed this while on peace summit between the two states – Gabriel Suswan who used the peace parley to commensurate with his Nasarawa counterpart over the killings of over one hundred (100) security agents at Alakyo village, asserted that crisis between Benue and Nasarawa state remains imminent following new accusations by the people of Benue state that people of Nasarawa state continue to harbor Fulani mercenaries, “we are not here to accuse the Government of Nasarawa state for harboring Fulani mercenaries but we wonder why the Government of Nasarawa state have allowed such swamp of Fulani armed men into their territory”.
“Our people in Benue state are pushed to the wall. How can over Five hundred (500) armed Fulani men move into your land as free men? It is worrisome if this crisis continue like this, Benue has been turned to a vicious cycle were by people are killed on daily basis”. He listed some of the crisis prone zones of Benue state as Agatu,Gwer west,Makurdi west and Makurdi north.
Gabriel Suswan affirmed that the two (2) neighboring states should work towards restoring peace in the sister states – adding that the present crisis which has consumed scores of lives and properties is uncalled for. He called on stakeholders from the two (2) states to treat the present security challenges with seriousness and sincerity.
The Governor said the ongoing crisis has taken different dimension – while calling on all stakeholders from the two states to proffer lasting solution to the skirmishes. The Governor tasked people of the states to set aside primordial sentiment for the interest of peace.
“We are one and we will remain one”. He expressed concern over recent killings of twenty eight (28) people and the seventeen (17) houses that were set ablaze in Rukubi ward of Ekye Development Area – adding that Fulani herdsmen set ablaze the abode of a cabinet member, Mbatsav while his Personal Assistant ( PA) and one person were killed in Awe Local Government Area.
