In a bid to stem the tide of insecurity caused by herdsmen activities and a boundary dispute with neighbouring communities, Chairman of Agatu Local Government in Benue State, Hon. Melvin Ejeh, has embarked on a historic peace mission to neighboring communities in Kogi State.
The Benue LG chairman led a delegation comprising opinion leaders, retired and serving security experts, ex-diplomats, religious figures, and respected community leaders on the peace mission to Omala area of Kogi state.
The peace mission, undertaken at the request of Benue State Governor Father Hyacinth Alia, brought the delegation to Abejukolo, headquarters of Omala Local Government in Kogi, to engage with the Opatani Omagede communities.
Hon. Ejeh emphasized his commitment to bridging the divide between Agatu and its Kogi neighbors, seeking resolution over the boundary disputes and security challenges due to herdsmen activities.
He appealed to both communities to prioritize future generations and lay down arms for lasting peace.
On her part, the Director General of the Benue Peace and Reconciliation Commission,
Josephine Habba, who stood in for the state governor, emphasised the importance of peace between Benue and Kogi communities.
She explained that peace and security were Governor Alia’s top priorities and urged the communities to forgive each other and embrace peace, noting that no meaningful achievement can be made in the face of rancour.
Also speaking, the Director General of Homeland Security, Air Commodore A.A. Gbamwuan Rtd., expressed concern that communal crises are hindering the agricultural potential of states, allowing external threats from suspected herdsmen to exploit the situation.
Traditional leaders representing Opatani and Omagede communities praised Ejeh’s groundbreaking initiative, acknowledging it as a pioneering effort by any leader.
They declared their communities’ commitment to peace and promised to lay down arms, returning to the harmony that once existed between them.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Edibo Ameh Mark, Chairman of Omala Local Government Council in Kogi State, expressed gratitude and assured the Agatu Chairman of his commitment to work collaboratively with him to establish lasting peace in the areas.
He commended Ejeh’s efforts towards ensuring peace and coexistence among the people, assuring his dedication to strengthening the relationship between the two local governments.
High-ranking security officials in attendance included the representative of the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Lt. Col. I. Sadiq; the Nigerian Navy’s component commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Navy Commander Manga; the representative of the State Director of DSS; and the Commissioner of Police for Benue.
