The investigative committee tasked with uncovering the root causes of the ongoing conflicts in the Udege Development Area of Nasarawa State, has been urged to maintain neutrality and impartiality.
The committee is led by the Emir of Karshi, HRH Professor Sani Mohammed Bako.
The call comes from the Afo Youth Mobility (AYM), a sociocultural group, in a statement issued by its Chairman, Barrister D.Y Kana, on Wednesday night.
The group stated the need for justice, especially considering the loss of lives in recent clashes, noting that the perpetrators of the violence must face the full force of the law.
AYM appealed to youths and stakeholders in the area to fully cooperate with the committee chaired by Professor Bako, expressing confidence in the committee’s ability to resolve the crisis.
The statement reads in part, “Despite past failed attempts to resolve this crisis, we express confidence in the newly constituted committee appointed by the Nasarawa State Government, led by eminent individuals such as Professor Muhammad Sani Bako (Emir of Karshi), Major-General Illiyasu Isa Abbah (rtd), Barrister Labaran Shuaibu MMagaji, among others.
“It is our responsibility to provide pertinent information to the committee to facilitate the discovery of a lasting solution to these regrettable incidents.
“As the committee progresses, we must strive to move beyond this unnecessary animosity and refrain from making inflammatory statements that incite violence.
“Peace is non-negotiable. To foster prosperity in our communities, we must all advocate for peace. With the rainy season almost here, peace is essential for our farmers to cultivate the land and achieve abundant harvests.
“The Afo Nation holds vast potential, but for investors to harness our abundant mineral resources, a peaceful environment is indispensable. With peace assured, we can anticipate development at our doorstep,”
DAILY POST reported on May 2, 2024, that the village head of Ebbe Oka and several others had been reportedly killed in a dispute over land in Mararaba Udege, Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Governor Abdullahi Sule had constituted the committee aimed at finding a lasting solution to the ongoing crisis that has claimed several lives and caused the destruction of property worth millions of naira.
The committee members include Major General Iliyasu Isa Abbah (rtd), Barrister Labaran Shuaibu Magaji (Commissioner for Justice/Attorney-General), Ambassador Timothy Inusa Kasuwa (Commissioner for Special Duties, Security and Sundry Matters), and CP Isa Baba (rtd), with Adamu Akpa (Director, Special Services, Office of the Secretary to the State Government) serving as Secretary.
Udege bloodbath: Group calls for neutrality, impartiality from investigative committee