A youth association in the Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Ayikwu Onobihun, has called on the state government to engage stakeholders to find lasting peace in the area.

President of the Egbura Youth association, Suleiman Musa, made the appeal at a press conference held in Toto on Sunday.

Mr Musa, represented by his Deputy, Hamisu Omaki, said that the Egbura youth association wanted Governor Abdullahi Sule to shelve the alleged plan to return the Bassa community to the area, instead focus on engaging critical stakeholders in finding lasting solutions to the crisis engulfing the area.

He said, “It is imperative to engage relevant stakeholders, including community leaders, traditional rulers and most importantly the youth representatives, in open dialogue and consultation to chart a sustainable path towards reconciliation and lasting peace.’’

He added that the governor’s intervention to resolve the underlying issues fuelling the communal crisis such as land disputes, resource allocation, and socio-political marginalisation would put an end to any reoccurrence of the crisis.

He stated, “Sustainable peace can only be achieved through justice, equity, and inclusive governance that addresses the legitimate grievances of all parties involved. We, therefore, call for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to conflict resolution that upholds the principles of justice, dialogue, and respect for human rights. We stand ready to engage constructively with stakeholders towards a peaceful and harmonious co-existence in the Toto Local Government and beyond.’’

Mr Musa said that the association was not comfortable with the plan to return the Bassa people to the area because of the ongoing communal crisis between the two tribes in the area for ages and no inclusive engagement on finding solutions to the crisis.

He added, “The historical context and intricacies of the Bassa community situation cannot be overlooked. The unresolved disputes and animosity between the Egbura and Bassa communities have resulted in violence, loss of lives, and the displacement of countless families. Rushing the return of Bassa community to Toto LGA without addressing the root causes and ensuring the safety and security of all parties involved is a reckless move that could reignite the flames of conflict. Therefore, we, the Ayikwu Egbura Onoibihu of Egbura Community appeal to the Governor of Nasarawa State to reconsider this decision and prioritise peace building efforts that is youth inclusive over hasty actions.’’

He thanked members of the state executive and legislative arm of government for their support and commitment to the development of the state and to resolving the crisis in the Toto LGA.

Egbura and Bassa are the two main ethnic groups in Toto LGA but due to incessant communal crises between the two groups, Bassa community was forced to settle away from the area.

(NAN)