Those who perpetrate violence in Ibaji Land have been advised to desist from such and give room for peace or face the wrath of the law.
The deputy governor of kogi state Elder Simon Achuba who gave the warning at the Peace Rally organised by Justice, Development and Peace Commission of Catholic Dioceses of Idah yesterday at Onyedega, the Ibaji local government area headquarter said the issues at dispute in Ibaji such as fish ponds, land and kingship already had judicial remedies, urging the parties involved in the dispute to respect court position on the matter.
Stating that peace is a panacea for the development of any community, the Deputy Governor said without peace, there cannot be growth and development.
He maintained that no government would put structures in a place that is threatened by insecurity, adding that investors would also not put resources in a local government where returns are not expected as a result of security challenges.
The deputy governor therefore urged the youth of the area to sheath their swords and allow peace to prevail, stating that where there is peace, there is sustainable development.
Earlier in his address, the Catholic Bishop of Idah Dioceses, Most Rev Anthony Adamu Adaji said the rally themed “Peace in Ibaji Land” was not only for Ibaji people but for the entire people of God in Idah Dioceses as according to him, Ibaji people are members of the larger family of God’s people in Idah Dioceses.
He said if Ibaji Land experiences prosperity and growth, the entire Diocese is at advantage because the benefit will overflow everywhere in Idah Diocese, while stating on the contrary that if the land experiences hardship and retrogression, loss of property and value, the family of God’s people in Idah Diocese is also affected.
The bishop therefore appealed to all Ibaji sons and daughters outside the land to work for the Peace of the people, urging those who sponsor conflict in the area to desist from such act for the good and development of the area.
He further enjoined the people to renounce the current way of resolving issues by violent means and embrace dialogue in settling differences.
Speaking also, the Executive Director of the Justice, Development and Peace Commission, Rev Fr Mathew Attah said the Commission has the responsibility of ensuring that peace reins in the church family in particular and the society at large.
