By Pwanagba Agabus, Jos
Among the myriad of problems Plateau State has grappled with for over two decades, security of lives and property appears to be the most pressing of such problems since the outbreak of hostilities on 7th of September, 2001, in the city of Jos and other communities in the state.
The widely acclaimed “Home of Peace and Tourism” had in the recent past, attracted headlines on both local and international media.
The once serene city and environs was punctured by series of ethno-religious crisis, as wanton destruction of lives and property held sway in the state.
Houses and places of worship were torched and razed down; innocent people were hounded, hacked to death or maimed on account of belonging to a particular faith.
Sadly, over 20 years down the line, the ugly scenario has continued to reared it face, especially now with the advent of social media, where videos of such dastardly acts are shared; which triggers more anger and disdain amongst citizens.
Among the hotbed of unrest in the last few years in the State is the Irigwe chiefdom, where scores of people have loss their lives, several properties destroyed, including farms.
Efforts by various stakeholders ranging from government, security, non governmental organisations, religious groups, among others to stem the violence that has bedeviled the chiefdom, but there was no light at the end of the tunnel.
However, the Irigwe and Fulani communities of Bassa LGA of the State on Wednesday (13 July, 2022) signed a peace pact to leave harmoniously as neighbours.
Speaking after the Peace Agreement was signed, Governor Simon Lalong expressed optimism of a lasting peace and an end to recurring violence in Bassa Local Government Area.
Lalong who witnessed the signing of the expression of commitment to peace between the Irigwe and Fulani communities in Bassa Local Government Area said he was happy that there is a genuine and collective effort to address the spade of violence that has grossly affected people of the area and the State in general.
He said, “Today’s gathering which is at the instance of the leadership of the Irigwe and Fulani is for these two communities to tell the whole world that they had tested the bitter pills that violent conflict serves but now willing, ready and able to chart a new course for themselves by first forgiving the past in order to reconcile the future”.
He recall that, upon coming into office in 2015, his administration inherited crisis but was determined to confront the challenges head-on, which enables it to immediate develope a policy framework in a way that moves away from the reactive approach to being proactive.
According to him, “The nearly two-decade experience of violent conflict between Irigwe and Fulani of Irigwe Chiefdom has given my administration sleepless nights. Yet, we never for once relented in our effort and desire to expand the frontiers of peace and security in those communities in particular and, the entire Bassa Local Government Area in general.
“My personal involvement in the mediation of this conflict was hinged on the ongoing interventions of both the Plateau State Peace building Agency and the State Inter-Religious Council who have worked closely with other stakeholders, including external actors to bring peace and stability in communities ravaged by internecine conflict” he maintained.
While commending the Paramount ruler of Irigwe chiefdom, the Brra Ngwe for his personal commitment to the pursuit of peace as well as other stakeholders including the Fulani representatives, the Governor urged the parties to take full ownership of this Document.
“It is your document and you must ensure that you enlighten and sensitize your respective communities on the importance of respecting all the articles contained there-in.
“Be assured that on its own part, Government will support and monitor your commitment towards the implementation of this Agreement”, Lalong assured.
He however warned that Government will not relent on its duty if maintaining law and order and ensuring that those who attempt to truncate the implementation of the peace agreement are dealt with according to the law.
Also speaking, HRH Brra Nggwe Irigwe, Ronku Aka, thanked the Governor for his foresight in setting up the Peace Building Agency and empowering it to work towards resolving conflicts and restoring peace and security among the Irigwe and Fulani in Bassa as well as other parts of the State.
He said the the people of Bassa want to put the ugly events of the past behind them and live in peace and unity with one another to pursue their legitimate means of livelihood without molestation.
The Chairman of the Bassa Internal Peace and Security Committee Mr. John Power and the Co-Chairman Alh. Ya’u Idris signed the peace agreement on behalf of the Irigwe and Fulani communities.
Those who also signed as witnesses include; Chairman Bassa Local Government, Chairman Plateau Inter Religious Council Prof. Pandam Yamsat and his Co-Chairman represented by Emir of Kanam, President Irigwe Development Association, Chairman MACBAN, Kaduna Peace Commission, Commander Operation Safe Haven, Police Commissioner, PIDAN, Inter Faith Mediation Centre, United States Inistitue for Peace among others.
Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Atu said the Governor has directed him and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to immediately put in place machinery for Gazetting and working out the policy framework for immediate implementation.
The Director General Plateau State Peace Building Agency, Mr Joseph Lengmang said, Goverment will continue to count on the support of the parties to implement the Peace Agreement to further deepen the peace in the area by providing critical social infrastructures that would in turn, strengthen social cohesion among the citizenry.
Lengmang maintained that the Governor has also directed the Agency to work in conjunction with security agencies as well as local and international partners to support the safe return and resettlement of all victims of violent conflict in Irigwe chiefdom, as well as the provision of pyscho-social support and additional trainings to youth groups and women.
Various speakers in their goodwill messages commended Governor Lalong for his determination to see the end of crises in Bassa by facilitating several dialogue sessions, capacity building trainings, consultations and peace advocacy among the leadership of ethnic associations like the Irigwe Development Association (IDA); the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), the All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (AFAN); the Gan Allah Fulani Association of Nigeria (GAFDAN) amongst so many others.
The Expression of Commitment to Peace and Peaceful Co-existence indicates that the two aforementioned parties are determined to:
“Respect the beliefs, perspectives, traditions, customs and vocations of each other;
Acknowledge and regret the wanton destruction caused to our people by the violence.
“That we have resolved to halt the continuous deterioration of the conflict henceforth;
Sincerely cooperate and collaborate with each other to weed out people of questionable character from amongst us by reporting same to appropriate authorities.
“And that we shall continue to monitor the actions, so far possible, of our communities and its inhabitants to ensure compliance with societal norms.
“Sustain the interface, dialogue and other Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism in resolving all issues of conflict rather than through violence or taking laws into our hands.
“Remain committed to implementing the 17-point resolutions contained therein the Expression of Commitment to Peace and Peaceful Coexistence document.
“Cooperate with Government at all levels, Traditional Institutions, Religious Leaders, Youth and Women Leaders to vigorously pursue and maintain the Peace in Irigwe chiefdom, Bassa LGA and Plateau State, at large”, they maintained.
However, the one million dollar question is, would the agreement be adhered to?
Only time will tell, but critical stakeholders are hopeful that the signing of the Peace pact will stand the taste of time and would serve as an example for other communities within and outside the State.
