Benue crisis: Constituted peace c’ttee generates mixed feelings

…as Agatu community decries neglect

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Confusion, controversy and mixed feelings trailed the 8-man Civilian Joint Task Force, (CJTF) constituted to monitor the peace pact signed by the Tiv/ Agatu communities and Fulani herdsmen; this is even as the Agatu people were conspicuously absent.

The event, which was held at the Benue state Government House, Makurdi, at the weekend, was presided over the DIG Operations, Force Headquarters, Michael Zuokumor.

During the meeting, which was also attended by Fulani leaders from Nasarawa state, tempers flared as there was a disagreement when some section of the Fulani community complained over the recognition accorded one Alh. Bello Abdullahi Bodejo, who is said to be the President, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore. They insisted that the only recognized body is the Cattle Breeders association.

Reacting to the situation, the DIG angrily warned: “Whoever wants to constitute a threat to the peace would be dealt with. Some of you stay in the comfort of your houses while the people who bear the pains of the destruction are women and their children. Both sides have lost a lot and nobody would be allowed to thwart the peace move. It must be carried out to the latter”, Zuokumor.

He explained that composition of the committee became necessary, in order to monitor the activities of both sides, warning that anyone caught breaching the agreement would be severely dealt with.

“If a Fulani herdsman is caught destroying the farm of any Tiv farmer, he should be picked and handed over to the police for prosecution. And vice versa; if any Tiv farmer is found rustling Fulani man’s cattle, he should be picked and handed to the police. This is the responsibility before you”, he charged them.

The DIG then requested members of the committee to hug each other as a mark of reconciliation and forgiveness, but they only shook hands except for one who was bold enough to do so, thereby revealing the suspicion and lack of trust between them.

Chairman, Benue State Conflict Resolution and Peace Building Committee, Brig-Gen. Atom Kpera (rtd) urged the committee to show conscious effort that they have embraced peace by creating an atmosphere of friendliness which has existed between the Tiv people and Fulani, adding that they must concretize the peace by mapping out strategies to ensure the immediate return of the displaced persons.

Coordinator of the peace and reconciliation committee, Aliyu Teshaku assured that they would live up the task ahead of them, positing that they would sacrifice their lives to ensure peace.

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
Confusion, controversy and mixed feelings trailed the 8-man Civilian Joint Task Force, (CJTF) constituted to monitor the peace pact signed by the Tiv/ Agatu communities and Fulani herdsmen; this is even as the Agatu people were conspicuously absent.The event, which was held at the Benue state Government House, Makurdi, at the weekend, was presided over the DIG Operations, Force Headquarters, Michael Zuokumor.During the meeting, which was also attended by Fulani leaders from Nasarawa state, tempers flared as there was a disagreement when some section of the Fulani community complained over the recognition accorded one Alh. Bello Abdullahi Bodejo, who is said to be the President, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore. They insisted that the only recognized body is the Cattle Breeders association.Reacting to the situation, the DIG angrily warned: “Whoever wants to constitute a threat to the peace would be dealt with. Some of you stay in the comfort of your houses while the people who bear the pains of the destruction are women and their children. Both sides have lost a lot and nobody would be allowed to thwart the peace move. It must be carried out to the latter”, Zuokumor.He explained that composition of the committee became necessary, in order  to monitor the activities of both sides, warning that anyone caught breaching the agreement would be severely dealt with.“If a Fulani herdsman is caught destroying the farm of any Tiv farmer, he should be picked and handed over to the police for prosecution. And vice versa; if any Tiv farmer is found rustling Fulani man’s cattle, he should be picked and handed to the police. This is the responsibility before you”, he charged them.The DIG then requested members of the committee to hug each other as a mark of reconciliation and forgiveness, but they only shook hands except for one who was bold enough to do so, thereby revealing the suspicion and lack of trust between them.Chairman, Benue State Conflict Resolution and Peace Building Committee, Brig-Gen. Atom Kpera (rtd) urged the committee to show conscious effort that they have embraced peace by creating an atmosphere of friendliness which has existed between the Tiv people and Fulani, adding that they must concretize the peace by mapping out strategies to ensure the immediate return of the displaced persons.Coordinator of the peace and reconciliation committee, Aliyu Teshaku assured that they would live up the task ahead of them, positing that they would sacrifice their lives to ensure peace.