Otukpo crisis: Ogobia/Ondo communities agree on peaceful settlement
NAN-H-63
Agreement
By Martins Odeh
Abuja, Sept.26, 2017 (NAN) The Ondo/Ogobia communities of Ugboju District in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue, have agreed for `a ceasefire,’ preparatory to finding a lasting settlement of frequent feud between the two communities.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the recent clash in the area claimed the life of former state chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, retired Maj. Lawrence Ugbor.
The meeting was held at the instance of the Commandant of the National Peace Corps, Dickson Akor, who commended the communities and the Ugboju Country Club.
In a communiqué issued after a peace meeting held at the weekend in Abuja, prominent sons and daughters of both communities agreed to work together to restore peace.
The communiqué was signed by the President of the Ugboju Country Club, Mr Gabriel Iduh.
He said the group agreed to visit Ondo/Ogobia for on-the-spot assessment of the situation, adding that the people must eschew bitterness and live together peacefully.
“The forum condemns in very strong terms, those powerful individuals behind this dastardly act.
“ It also appreciates the effort of the State Governor, Dr Samuel Ortom, the Otukpo Local Government Chairman, Hon. George Ali and every other stakeholder, who have worked assiduously for peace to return.
“The meeting finally called on both the federal and state governments to collaborate with the Ugboju Country Club in its quest to ensure lasting peace in the warring communities,’’ he said.
The group had also called for a high-powered panel to investigate the crisis with a view to bringing to book those behind it.
NAN reports that Rep. Adam Okloho representing Adoka/Ugboju State Constituency at Benue State House of Assembly was part of the people that brokered the peace.
The forum was also attended by representatives of the warring factions who included Dr Enokela Efu, Dollar Audu, Peter Omale, Ogoh Ojila, Owoicho Ocheni, and Inalegwu Amola.
Others were Adakole Adanu, John Ojila, and Thomas Ejugwu Amola.
NAN recalls that a fortnight ago, hoodlums believed to be youths from the communities clashed, leaving Ugbor dead with nine others.
The Benue Police Command, however, said it had made some arrests in connection with the mayhem. (NAN)
OMO/OU
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Edited by Obike Ukoh
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