Benue and Nasarawa States peace committee aimed at addressing persistent insecurity in the zone and in response to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive has been established by Governor Abdullahi Sule.
Speaking during at a meeting held at the Government House on Friday with traditional rulers from across Nasarawa State, Governor Sule called on traditional rulers to get set for key roles in resolving the protracted communal crises along the border communities.
His appeal was specifically to monarchs from Doma, Keana, and Obi to bring their in-depth knowledge and ancestral understanding of the region’s interethnic dynamics to bear on the peace efforts.
“You are more familiar with these issues than I am,” the governor noted. “This crisis predates my administration, and indeed even my lifetime. That is why I am relying on you—Osuko of Obi, Andoma of Doma, Osana of Keana, and Sarkin Giza—to support me in finding lasting solutions.”
Governor Sule emphasized his administration’s commitment to ensuring peaceful coexistence among the Tiv population and other ethnic groups in Nasarawa State, particularly those residing near the Benue border.
He referenced the recent stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, which was convened following the President’s visit to Benue State, where close to 200 persons were reportedly killed in the Yelwata axis. He praised President Tinubu’s insistence that all Nigerians must be treated as equal citizens, with freedom to reside and own land in any part of the country.
“President Tinubu was clear that this administration will not entertain conflict arising from indigene or non-indigene status. Nigerians must be free to live wherever they choose,” he stated.
While acknowledging concerns raised by the Tor Tiv over alleged land dispossession of Tiv people in Nasarawa State, Governor Sule clarified that traditional leaders in Nasarawa have also received conflicting accounts from their communities, illustrating the complexity of the issue.
“I understand the Tor Tiv’s position. Just like him, our traditional rulers receive reports and grievances from the people, and the truth often lies in between,” the governor added.
The meeting also served as a platform to address welfare issues affecting traditional institutions in Nasarawa State. Governor Sule reassured the royal fathers of his administration’s plans to pay outstanding medical allowances, provide vehicles for third-class chiefs, and develop guest houses for traditional rulers in the state capital, Lafia.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs and Emir of Lafia, His Royal Highness Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad III (rtd), reaffirmed the traditional rulers’ support for Governor Sule’s leadership. A vote of confidence was unanimously passed by the council, commending the governor for his foresight and achievements in governance.
“Your leadership has brought pride and development to Nasarawa State. You have shown us that one of our own can lead with integrity, vision, and impact,” the Emir declared.
The monarch also urged the government to expedite the release of medical allowances and provide mobility and accommodation support to the traditional rulers to further enhance their service delivery at the grassroots.
Governor Sule concluded the meeting by highlighting the growing interest of international stakeholders in Nasarawa, citing recent requests from the Ambassador of Angola and the Nigerian-Israeli Chamber of Commerce seeking investment opportunities in mining and agriculture in the state.
“These partnerships are possible because of your enduring support, prayers, and goodwill. Together, we are repositioning Nasarawa State for peace and prosperity,” he said.
