Benue’s Agatu LGA boss fosters peace with Kogi communities

In a bid to promote inter-community harmony, Agatu Local Government Chairman, Hon. Melvin Ejeh, has launched a peace outreach to key neighbouring communities in Kogi State.

Ejeh, who doubles as Deputy Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), led emissaries comprising opinion leaders, retired and serving security experts, ex-diplomats, and religious, and respected community leaders on the mission.

The mission, initiated by the Benue State governor, Father Hyacinth Alia, took the delegation to Abejukolo, the headquarters of Omala Local Government Council, to meet with the Opatani and Omagede communities in Kogi State.

The peace mission was part of Ejeh’s continuous efforts to establish lasting peace in Agatu, following insecurity caused by herdsmen activities and boundary disputes with neighbouring communities.

During the peace mission, the governor, represented by the Director General of the Benue Peace and Reconciliation Commission, Josephine Habba, stressed the importance of dialogue and peaceful negotiation as lasting solutions for settling disputes in boundary communities.

Speaking at the event where the high-profile delegation engaged the Opatani and Omagede people, Ejeh explained that his “Rescue Mission Agenda” aims to achieve a lasting peace between the neighbouring communities.

While decrying the protracted insecurity caused by the herdsmen invasion and boundary disputes between the Opatani and Omagede communities, he called on the people to embrace peace.

The Agatu Local Government boss regretted that insecurity resulting from the land dispute had had a devastating effect on Agatu Local Government Area (LGA), leaving several people dead.

At another meeting held at the Abejukolo, Omala Local Government secretariat in Kogi State, Ejeh underscored his commitment to fostering lasting peace and robust relationships between Agatu boundary communities.

He acknowledged the devastating consequences of the disputes, which have led to the loss of lives and destruction of property, leaving the western part of Agatu vulnerable to herdsmen’s attacks.

The council chairman passionately urged the two communities to lay down their arms, asking them to prioritise the future of the next generation.

The Agatu Local Government Area Chairman thanked the state governor, Father Hyacinth Alia, for his visionary leadership in the state, saying his efforts to leave a peaceful and secure Benue State have yielded positive results.

He expressed particular gratitude to the governor for deploying resources for the mission and approving a powerful state delegation, noting that their expertise in peace and conflict resolution facilitated the delegation’s work.

The council chairman also thanked the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for his unwavering support for Benue State, saying the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have excelled in promoting peace and harmony in the state.

He also expressed special appreciation to the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Brig. Gen. L.G. Lepdung, and his team for their commitment to ensuring peace in Agatu land, Benue State, and their Area of Responsibility (AOR) in general.

On her part, the Director General of the Benue Peace and Reconciliation Commission, Josephine Habba, who represented the state governor, stressed the importance of peace between Benue and Kogi communities.

She explained that peace and security are Governor Alia’s top priorities and urged the communities to forgive each other and embrace peace, noting that no meaningful progress can be made in the face of rancour.

Also speaking, the Director General of Homeland Security, Air Commodore A.A. Gbamwuan (retd), expressed concern that communal crises hinder the agricultural potential of states, allowing external threats from suspected herdsmen to exploit the situation.

Traditional leaders representing the Opatani and Omagede communities praised Ejeh’s groundbreaking initiative, acknowledging it as a pioneering effort by any leader.

They declared their communities’ commitment to peace and promised to lay down arms, returning to the harmony that once existed between them.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Omala Local Government Council of Kogi State, Edibo Ameh Mark, expressed gratitude and assured the Agatu Chairman of his commitment to work collaboratively with him to establish lasting peace in the areas.

He commended Ejeh’s efforts toward ensuring peace and coexistence among the people, assuring his commitment to strengthening the relationship between the two local governments.

High-ranking security officials in attendance included the representative of the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Lt. Col. I. Sadiq, the Nigerian Navy’s Component Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Navy Commander Manga, and representatives of the State Director of DSS and the Commissioner of Police for Benue.

Hon. Ejeh was accompanied to the meeting by prominent Agatu stakeholders, including Col. Isah O. (Rtd), Navy Commodore Odumu (Rtd), Alhaji Ibrahim U., and former House of Assembly member, Hon. Audu Sule, among others.