Urging the investigative committee responsible for delving into the causes of the ongoing conflicts in the Udege Development Area of Nasarawa State to uphold neutrality and impartiality is a critical demand.
Heading the committee is HRH Professor Sani Mohammed Bako, the Emir of Karshi.
This call for fairness and justice comes from the Afo Youth Mobility (AYM), a sociocultural group, as articulated in a statement released by its Chairman, Barrister D.Y Kana, on Wednesday evening.
Emphasizing the importance of justice, particularly in light of recent deadly confrontations, AYM underscores the necessity for those responsible for the violence to be held fully accountable under the law.
AYM calls upon the youth and stakeholders in the region to offer full cooperation to the committee led by Professor Bako, exhibiting faith in the committee’s capacity to address the crisis effectively.
The statement asserts, “Despite previous unsuccessful efforts in resolving this crisis, we harbor confidence in the newly established committee appointed by the Nasarawa State Government, which comprises eminent figures such as Professor Muhammad Sani Bako (Emir of Karshi), Major-General Illiyasu Isa Abbah (rtd), Barrister Labaran Shuaibu MMagaji, among others.
“It is our duty to provide relevant information to the committee to aid in finding a long-term solution to these unfortunate incidents.
“As the committee progresses, we must aim to move past this unnecessary hostility and avoid making instigative statements that fuel violence.
“Peace is a non-negotiable necessity. To nurture prosperity in our communities, we must all advocate for peace. With the rainy season approaching, peace is vital for our farmers to cultivate the land and achieve bountiful harvests.
“The Afo Nation boasts substantial potential, but for investors to tap into our rich mineral resources, a peaceful atmosphere is indispensable. With peace guaranteed, we can look forward to development at our doorstep,”
According to a report by NewsNow on May 2, 2024, the village head of Ebbe Oka and several others were reportedly slain in a land dispute in Mararaba Udege, Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Governor Abdullahi Sule had formed the committee with the aim of finding a lasting resolution to the ongoing crisis that has led to numerous fatalities and the destruction of property worth millions of naira.
Among the committee members are Major General Iliyasu Isa Abbah (rtd), Barrister Labaran Shuaibu Magaji (Commissioner for Justice/Attorney-General), Ambassador Timothy Inusa Kasuwa (Commissioner for Special Duties, Security and Sundry Matters), and CP Isa Baba (rtd), with Adamu Akpa (Director, Special Services, Office of the Secretary to the State Government) serving as the Secretary.