Plateau natives of Irigwe Chiefdom and Fulani community in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State have signed a peace agreement to halt incessant killings and destruction of lives and property in the area.
The peace agreement which was signed on Wednesday in Bassa LGA, facilitated by Plateau Peace Building Agency and signed by the Chairman, Irigwe Development Association, Robert Aishi and Chairman, Miyity Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Bassa Local Government Area, Adam Yakubu with various peace stakeholders in the state, was aimed at halting the perennial killings in the area.
Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong who witnessed the ceremony said the agreement is a signed of commitment between the Irigwe people and the Fulani for to enthrone lasting peace in the state.
He said any party found breaching the agreement by taking arms against another would be delt with severely in accordance to the laws of the land.
“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.
“At the peak of the crisis sometimes in August last year, you may recall I met twice and separately so with leadership of Irigwe and Fulani in my official residence with a view to broker Peace and reconciliation between them.
“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.”
Lalong noted that government will take decisive action against individual or group of persons who violate the peace agreement with a view to enforce it for peace in the state.
“I want to also make it abundantly clear that despite the signing of this agreement, government will not shy away from wielding the big stick against any act of criminality within the area by any individual or groups who will want to derail this ongoing peace process.
“We also call on all people to remain vigilant and security conscious especially from those coming from elsewhere to cause havoc in our communities. We must work hand in gloves with relevant security agencies to keep our communities safe and habitable for all irrespective of our differences.” He stated
The Director General, Plateau State Peace Building Agency, Mr Joseph Lengman explained that alot of effort has been on ground in the last one year that culminated to signing the peace accord.
He applauded Governor Simon Lalong for providing enabling environment for the committee to work towards bringing the aggrieved parties together for peace.
Lengman added that the two communities who have been at war with each other have come together to sign an extraordinary activities for the sake of peaceful co-existence.
The President Irigwe Development Association, Robert Aishi and Chairman Miyity Allah Cattle Breeders Association Bassa Local Government Area, Adam Yakubu all agreed to lay down their arms and embrace each other for lasting peace.
The Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali said he has lost two soldiers to the crisis in Irigwe communities and expressed joy that the warring communities have agreed to live in peace with one another.
