Egba, Ologba in Agatu LGA of Benue sign natural resource peace agreement


By Our Reporter

Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue has advised stakeholders to work with the Centre for Humanitanan Dialogue to bring lasting peace to the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state that are experiencing various forms of conflicts.

The governor gave the advice on Tuesday in Otukpo the headquarters of Otukpo LGA of the state during the signing of the Agatu Natural Resource Peace Agreement between Egba and Ologba clans in Agatu LGA of the state.

It is gathered that the Egba and Ologba communities in Agatu LGA of the state had been fighting over fish pond since 1972.

Represented by his Special Adviser on SDGs/NEPAD, Prof. Magdalene Dura, Ortom said that some of the conflicts in the LGAs were inter while some were intra.

"The inter-conflicts were caused by the Fulani herdsmen who incessantly attacked Benue communities.

"I appeal to the centre to also work towards bringing the herdsmen to a dialogue table in order to sign a cease fire agreement so that my people can have peace," Ortom said. 

He further appreciated the centre for the peace process which had culminated into the signing of the peace agreement.

Meanwhile, The Regional Director of the centre, Dr Babatunde Afolabi, disclosed that it was the first time that communities that were in conflict for decades would end their differences through signing of a natural resource-specific peace agreement in Nigeria.

"We are therefore, proud and happy to share this unique history with you.

"We have managed to facilitate dialogue and help Agatu community especially the Egba and Ologba clans agree on how best to manage the lingering disputes between them on the ownership, sharing and management of their fish ponds," Afolabi said.

Prof. Armstrong Adejo, stated in his key note address that conflict was not healthy for any society because it caused hunger, poverty, killings, maiming among other things.

Adejo further stated that peace had a lot of benefits and one of them was to reduce stress and anxiety.

The Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayaitse who was represented by Mr Iorbee Ihagh, appealed to the centre to carry the same peace process in Bonta and Okpute communities in Konshisha and Oju LGAs respectively so that peace would reign in those communities too.

Also, the Och' Idoma, Dr John Elaigwu, charged his subjects to take the peace agreement serious.

The First Class Chief of Apa/Agatu intermediate area, Chief Baba Odangla and the Agatu traditional ruler, Chief Godwin Onah, appreciated God for making the peace process possible, believing that their land would enjoy peace again.

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