Returning Bassa to Toto LG without addressing root cause of crisis, recipe for more crisis – Egbura Youth

By Christiana Ekpa

An Association of Egbura speaking people of Toto local government in Nasarawa state has advised Governor Abdullahi Sule against hastily returning Bassa to the local government without first addressing the root cause of the crisis behind their displacement.
The Association, named Ayikwu Egbura Onobihun Association (AWOA) appealed to Governor Abdullahi Sule to reconsider his decision until proper consultations and genuine reconciliation were achieved.
It said reminded the Governor of a similar exercise in the past where decisions were imposed by then governments only for the local government to be plunged into another round of crisis.
It said for there to be genuine reconciliation the state government must approach the difficult but necessary question behind the crisis and been seen to be neutral arbiters.
The Association at a press conference addressed by its Vice President , Prince Nasiru Omaki on behalf of the President, Suleiman Musa, yesterday, expressed concerns over the state government fixation on the return of the Bassa without taking steps to forestall future occurrence.
It said: “Rushing to return of the Bassa community to Toto LGA without addressing unresolved disputes and ensuring the safety of all parties involved is a reckless move that could reignite the flames of conflict.”
The Association accused Bassa militias of numerous attacks on Egbura communities, resulting in casualties, including the deaths of District Heads of Okatakpa, Aggeh, Ohege, Okuwa, and Ogya communities .
It urged the Governor to focus on addressing underlying issues fueling the crisis, such as land disputes, resource allocation, and socio-political marginalization.
It called for an inclusive peace-building process involving community leaders, traditional rulers, and youth representatives.
“Sustainable peace can only be achieved through justice, equity, and inclusive governance that addresses the legitimate grievances of all parties involved.”
The Association also stated the importance of dialogue, justice, and human rights in conflict resolution, pledging their readiness to engage constructively with stakeholders to achieve lasting peace in Toto LGA.
The Association however, thanked the state government for its efforts to resolve the crisis thus , adding that the safety and stability of Toto LGA must take precedence.
Peoples report that while the governor’s plan to return to the Bassa is seen as part of broader reconciliation efforts in the state, it had however, has sparked mixed reactions.