Peace and development are spices that are highly appreciated in the 21st century, both in advanced society and at the grassroot; call it, hinterland or coastal areas. As far as our communities are concerned, we should be mindful not to play politics or turn deaf ears to daily realities that’s gradually plaguing communities here and there in Okun land, In Kogi State and areas not captured by internet or social media news despite being within Nigeria.
The Traditional Stools, State Security and social contracts of dwellers/settlers have a way of shaping security architecture and peaceful coexistence of different categories of people. Dialogue through town hall meetings can be continuously practiced. Culprits be prosecuted too as a deterrent to abusive and callous behaviour. Aside from that, traditional measures of ensuring land ownership be carried out. Host communities as much as posits about expansionist movement, taking informed actions and consistently sustaining resolutions that are working is in high demand now within Okun land.
How can Agricultural practices earn a living with insecurity? Perhaps, it could be a mere misunderstanding but should blood be spilled? The value of human beings should be raised far above and pricelessly unnecessary to be compared to animals. How true can a cow be valued above a man? Or indoctrination being practiced to believe a set of people are impure breed and their land be taken over.
This is a kind of conflict with historical background . Thus, the use reprisal attack as a form of revenge and means to provide defense . This needs urgent attention to analyse to know root causes and brainstorm more on how to ensure conflict transformation towards social cohesion.
– Isaac Kayode Obajemu is an indigene of Kogi state.
