From Esther Akaa, Lafia
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has stepped in to resolve the protracted crisis in Udege community, Nasarawa Local Government Area (LGA), calling for an end to the crisis.
Grassroots Parrot reports that the crisis, which began three years ago over chieftaincy title and ownership of the town, is between the Afo-speaking community in Udege Mbeki, Odu, and Mararaba Udege, and has resulted in loss of lives and destruction of properties.
During an on-the-spot assessment visit to the community on Wednesday, Governor Sule expressed his commitment to finding a lasting solution to the crisis.
He revealed that as part of finding lasting solutions to the crisis, the state government had earlier engaged the sons and daughters of Affo land to assist in resolving the issue.
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He explained that the government had also appointed a committee chaired by the Emir of Karshi to provide recommendations, noting that it was in the process of looking at the recommendations that the crisis erupted and escalated leading to loss of lives and properties.
The governor, however, announced that the two factional leaders in the community had been disbanded, and an administrative committee would be set up to find a lasting solution to the crisis.
“We have decided to set up an administrative committee, which will be chaired by an ex-serviceman who understands the complexities of this situation. We will select two representatives from each faction, and they will assist the administrator in developing lasting solutions.
“In the meantime, we must find ways to support those whose houses were burnt and families were killed. To this end, we have brought the Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs and Women Affairs to assess the situation and determine how we can assist those affected by the crisis.
“We have not yet been able to determine the exact number of lives lost and properties destroyed, but the committee will conduct a thorough assessment to provide this information,” Sule said.
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The governor also acknowledged the role of security agencies in containing the crisis and expressed his appreciation for their efforts.
He assured the people of the Udege community that the state government would provide support to those affected by the crisis, including those who lost their homes and livelihoods.
Commenting on the number of houses and lives lost during the crisis, Governor Sule said, “We have not been able to ascertain the number of houses; that is what the committee that came with me will be able to do.
“However, you were with me at Odu, where we were told that a child and a woman died during the process, and I was also able to talk to the father and the husband who was there. So earlier on there had been some killings, but right now I cannot tell exactly what it is.”
On his part, the Osu Ajiri, Alhaji Haliru Bala Usman, expressed sadness over the incident.
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Usman appealed to the youths to embrace peace and unity for meaningful development in the area.
Afo people are one and must always remain as one. We must be united to ensure growth and development in our community,” he said.
He, therefore, expressed gratitude to Governor Sule and the security agencies for prompt intervention and for restoring peace in the area.
The governor’s visit to the Udege community is seen as a significant step towards finding a lasting solution to the crisis, and it is hoped that his efforts will yield positive results in the near future.