The Benue State Government and security agencies have intervened in a communal clash between the Mbakor and Agasha communities of Tarka and Guma local government areas, following a deadly conflict that left houses burnt and property worth millions of naira destroyed.
The peace agreement was reached during a peace and assessment tour led by the Executive Chairman of Guma Local Government Area, Maurice Orwough, to the warring communities.
Orwough, who toured the affected areas to assess the destruction, described the incident as painful and avoidable, urging both communities to sheathe their swords in the interest of development.
He was joined by the Chairman of Tarka LGA, Raphael Yenge, who led the Mbakor delegation to the roundtable, while Agasha stakeholders also turned out in large numbers.
The state government’s high-powered delegation comprised the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, James Dwem; Commissioner for Cooperatives and Rural Development, Dr Yanmar Ortese; Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Roy Ashirga; Chief Medical Director of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Dr Stephen Hwande; and Director-General of Homeland Security, Rtd Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan.
Heads of security agencies, including the Director of the Department of State Services, Commander, 72 Battalion Special Forces, and Commander, COAS Intervention Battalion, were also present to reinforce security.
Dr Hwande reminded the people of the heavy human cost of communal violence, while Dr Ortese noted that no community can develop in a crisis.
The stakeholders jointly appealed to youths, women and traditional rulers to guard against provocative actions and support security agencies.
After hours of deliberation, both communities resolved to forgive one another and embrace lasting peace.
Orwough thanked the communities for choosing dialogue and said Guma Local Government would work with the state government and security agencies to consolidate the peace, stressing that Mbakor and Agasha are brothers who must live together.