The prolonged dispute between Unyande and Kwenev communities in the Uvir council ward of Guma LGA of Benue State has prompted the intervention of the State Government.
For over three decades, these communities have been embroiled in a conflict over the ownership of a river that sits between their territories, resulting in numerous casualties and disrupting agricultural activities in the area.
To address the situation and restore peace, the State Government has prohibited members of both communities from accessing the contested River Antse.
During a peace meeting with stakeholders held at the government house in Makurdi, Chief Joseph Har, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security (Internal Affairs), emphasized the potential escalation of the crisis into a full-blown communal conflict as indicated by intelligence reports.
Chief Har reiterated the government’s stance on maintaining peace by instructing residents of Unyande and Kwenev to stay away from the embattled river, emphasizing the administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards communal discord.
The Ter Guma, HRH Dennis Shemberga, lauded the government’s swift action in addressing the ongoing crisis, acknowledging that the intervention could avert a large-scale conflict between the two communities.
Notably, the root of the dispute lies in the abundant fish resources and fertile land surrounding the river banks, essential for dry season farming, which both communities covet.
Although legal recourse had been pursued previously, traditional leaders opted for reconciliation to foster peaceful coexistence between the warring factions.
Despite the lingering tension over river ownership, the Caretaker Chairman for Guma LGA, Mr. Simon Unongo, highlighted the prevailing peace in the council area, allowing displaced persons to return to their farms.
In terms of legislative intervention, Mr. Terwase Uche, the representative of Guma 1 State Constituency, emphasized the importance of community-driven conflict resolution, urging communities to find amicable solutions without relying solely on legal statutes given their continued cohabitation.