– The people of Ugboju community, Otukpo local government of Benue state, have been witnessing series of communal clashes
– Hoodlums had reportedly taken over Ondo and Ogoli-Ugboju communities, killing dozens of persons and burning houses
– Leaders of the community have however struck a peace deal in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja
Following the protracted crises that have continued to rock Ondo/Ogobia Communities of Ugboju District in Otukpo local government area of Benue state, a peace meeting involving prominent leaders of both communities has been held in Abuja.
The clashes which led to loss of over 50 lives and property, has been lingering for over 3 years.
Recently, the hoodlums attacked the 2 communities, killing over ten people, amongst them was a retired Army Major, Lawrence Ugbor, who was burnt alive inside his car.
Consequently, the Nigeria Police made some arrests in connection to the mayhem while a former Chairman of Otukpo local government council, suspected to be one of the masterminds,has been declared wanted.
In a meeting held in Abuja at the weekend, at the instance of Ugboju Country Club, the leaders succeeded in brokering peace between the two warring factions.
The destruction caused by the crisis were monumental. Photo credit: Sodiq Adelakun
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ZENITHBLOG.com gathered that the meeting was anchored by the National Commandant of Peace Corps of Nigeria Dr Dickson Akoh, President of the Club, Mr. Gabriel Iduh and member representing Adoka/Ugboju state constituency at the Benue State House of Assembly, Honourable Adam John Okloho.
The peace forum was also attended by representatives of the warring factions, prominent among who are Dr. Mike Enokela Efu, Mr. Owoicho Ocheni, Inalegwu Amola, Honourable John Ojila, Thomas Ejugwu Amola, among others.
A statement issued by the president of Ugboju Country Club, Gabriel Idajili Iduh on Monday, September 25, stated that: “the two warring parties agreed to a cease fire, while members of UCC also agreed to visit Ondo/Ogobia for on-the-spot assessment of the situation.
“The forum condemned in very strong terms, those powerful individuals behind the perpetrators of this dastardly act, it also appreciated the state governor, Dr Samuel Ortom, the Otukpo local government chairman, Honourable George Ali and every other stakeholder, who have worked assiduously for peace to return to the hitherto peaceful and united agrarian communities.
“The meeting finally called on the federal government, the state government and good spirited private individuals, to collaborate with the Ugboju Country Club in its quest to ensure lasting peace in the warring communities.”
The statement also quoted the forum as “calling on the federal government to set up a high-powered panel to investigate the crisis with a view to bringing to book those behind it.”
The people of Ugboju community had earlier called on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government, to as a matter of urgency, come to their rescue.
This was made known at a joint press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, September 14, by the leaders of the community.
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Source: Zenithblog.com
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