Benue State Governor, His Excellency, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia has reiterated his administration's resolve to ensure peace returns to all crises-ridden communities in the state.
The Governor who stated this on Monday at the Signing Ceremony of the Konshisha-Oju Natural Resource Peace Agreement held at Benue Hotels in Makurdi, maintained that peace is the bedrock of physical development and economic growth of the society.
Represented by the Deputy Governor/Chairman of Benue State Boundary Committee, His Excellency, Barr Dr Sam Ode, mni, the Governor said it is for this reason that his administration attaches much importance to resolving issues of land disputes and conflicts in the state.
"One of the cardinal points of this administration is to ensure that peace returns to the crises-ridden areas so that Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) can go back to their ancestral homes".
"Peace building is not the responsibility of the state government and security agencies alone. Traditional rulers, opinion/community leaders, religious leaders, women, and the youths, all have various roles to play in building and sustaining peace for mutual and peaceful coexistence of our border communities", he stressed.
He encouraged border communities in the state to constantly engage in cross-cultural and cross-border economic activities as well as the exchange of royal visits.
The Governor appreciated the continued partnership and collaboration of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue in ensuring that workable solutions to the numerous land disputes and conflict challenges that face the state are being resolved as demonstrated by the peace accord.
He therefore, assured that all resolutions and recommendations contained in the Konshisha-Oju Natural Resource Peace Agreement will be carefully studied for quick implementation.
Earlier, in a keynote address, Prof. Mrs. Charity Ashimem Angya, former Vice Chancellor of the Benue State University, posited that peace building begins with individuals within the community because, "an individual who is at peace does not seek to escalate tension within the community or fuel inter-communal tension".
Prof. Angya who identified tolerance, respect for others' views and being at peace with situations as some of the values that promote peace within the community also, commended the actions of facilitators and mediators as well as the willingness by all stakeholders to give peace a chance.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Tor Tiv and chairman, Benue State Council of Chiefs, HRM Orchivirigh Prof. Ortese Iorzua Ayatse and the Och'Idoma and chairman of Idoma Area Traditional Council, Agabaidu John Odogbo Elaigwu assured all stakeholders that the signed Peace Agreement was going to be implemented since the two kingdoms in the state are also supporting the peace process.
The royal fathers who appreciated Benue State Government and stakeholders for accepting to work with the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue also enjoined their subjects to eschew violence and learn to live in harmony with one another promising to sanction any of their subjects who violates the peace agreement.
Highpoint of the occasion was the signing of the Peace Agreement between Bonta and Ukpete communities from Konshisha and Oju local governments.
HRH Chief Clement Uganden, Tor Jechira signed on behalf of Konshisha people, the Adirahu Ny'Igede, HRM CP Oga Ero (Rtd) signed for the people of Oju while the representative of the Governor, Barr Sam Ode signed as a witness to the peace accord.
The signing of the Peace Agreement which signified the end of hostilities between Bonta and Ukpete communities was mediated by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) in collaboration with the German Foreign Office.
The historic occasion was witnessed by many dignitaries including the Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Aondona Dajo, ably represented by Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga; President-General of Mzough u Tiv, Chief CP Iorbee Ihagh (Rtd); Dr. Chris Agoha, Country Manager, Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Nigeria, Civil Societies among many others.
Ior Ikyereve
Deputy Chief Press Secretary
to the Governor,
Office of the Deputy Governor
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