By Mohammad Ibrahim
Kaduna (Nigeria) – Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has frowned at the rates of killings and communal crisis in Plateau, Benue and other States within the northern region of the country.
The group called on government at all levels to put a stop to such crisis which often claimed lives and property of innocent citizens of the region.
ACF in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammed Ibrahim described the recent renewed clashes among various communities who have lived together peacefully over the years in Plateau and other states in the North as disturbing.
“It is not only of serious concern to Arewa Consultative Forum but disturbing, considering the huge destruction of lives and property. This has seriously affected the harmonious relationship among the communities and the general development of the areas.
“The initiative by the Plateau state Governor to involve all critical stakeholders to ensure reconciliation and restoration of peace in the LGAs affected should be emulated by other state Governors having similar communal problems.
“ACF in particular wishes to draw the attention of the Benue state Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom to the recent hostilities between the Tiv/Jukun and the Fulani/Kabawa communities of Gbajimba and Tse Kuncha in Guma Local Government Area of Benue state, where wanton destruction of community settlement took place.
“ACF urges Governor Ortom to promptly investigate the alleged killing and destruction of property and bring to justice those found to have aided and abated the carnage.
“Government should also set up a reconciliation and peace committee similar to that of Plateau to proffer a permanent solution to this incessant and unnecessary conflicts in the state.
“The Northern region has in the last six years had its fair share of insecurity problems such as Boko Haram insurgency, communal clashes, cattle rustling, etc which have affected its socioeconomic development.
“The change Nigerians voted for in the 2015 general elections is not only change in government, but also change in the way and manner the elected leaders provide adequate security and welfare for the people.
“ACF therefore calls upon the security agencies to be vigilant and proactive in arresting such ugly incident that destroy harmonious relationship among communities who have coexisted in peace for years.
“The traditional leaders in the areas must also play their fatherly role of mediation for peaceful coexistence and tolerance among various communities in order to put an end to the unwarranted violence,” the statement reads.
