From Jude Dangwam, Jos

Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong has expressed bitterness when he met with the leaders of Irigwe and Fulani communities at separate fora over the lingering crisis in the area that is now snowballing to other parts of the state and the country.

He said it was disheartening to see that government efforts in resolving the conflicts between farmers and herders in Bassa LGA that brought about commitments, which were not kept over time by the two parties, even when similar commitments brought substantial peace to other Local Government areas in the state.

The Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor Dr.

Makut Simon Macham told newsmen Wednesday that the meeting held at the Government House Rayfield, Jos had the Governor frown at the persisting clashes in Bassa LGA, which has continued even till Tuesday night when five people were killed in Chando Zrreche despite the dusk to dawn curfew still in place in the Local Government.

He disclosed that during the separate meetings with the two groups held behind closed doors, the Governor expressed displeasure that there has been a lot of criminality in the area, which has been given tribal and religious connotations that have snowballed into wanton destruction of lives and properties.

“The Governor recalled the efforts of the Plateau State Government in resolving the conflicts between farmers and herders in Bassa, which led to commitments that have not been kept over time. This, he said is disturbing as similar commitments have brought substantial peace to other Local Governments,” he said.

Lalong called on the leaders of the two groups to be frank and discuss why there have been consistent attacks resulting in the killing of farmers and herdsmen as well as destruction of crops and cattle.

The Paramount ruler of Irigwe land, HRH Rev. Ronku Aka, the Brra Ngwe told the Governor that his people were peace loving and accommodating, and willing to live in peace with other people including Fulani, who they have co-existed together peacefully for many years.

The Royal Father pointed that the issues causing friction are “the persistent damage to their crops and attacks on farmers who have been impoverished and rendered homeless.”

He appealed for more presence of security personnel in the area and pledged to fish out criminal elements within his domain. The Royal Father, also asked Government to support those displaced or injured in the conflicts and those whose farmlands have been destroyed and are in distress.

During the meeting with the leaders of the Fulani community also, the Chairman MACBAN Plateau State, Alhaji Nura Muhammed said Fulani herders who have lived in Bassa for a very long time have continued to suffered attacks resulting in deaths, stealing or killing of their cattle.

He said the issue of “farmer-herder clashes” is nothing but criminality, which must be treated as such. According to him, “those who engage in killing Fulani, Irigwe or destroying farmlands and cattle must be fished out and punished to serve as deterrence to others.”

Alhaji Nura Muhammed assured the Governor that his people were willing to peacefully live with other communities and also fish out criminal elements in order to ensure lasting peace.

He, however, called on Government to look into the plight of herders who have suffered losses, emphasising that “justice, tolerance and sincerity among leaders to guide the youths on the need for peaceful coexistence” are key to lasting peace

Nura maintained that all those Fulani who have been displaced are willing to return and live in peace.

Governor Lalong assured them that the concerns raised will be addressed by his Government but mandated the huge responsibility lies with the two communities who must be determined to address all issues through lawful means and also commit to tolerate and accommodate one another.

Lalong hinted that the State will soon launch the Livestock Transformation Programme, which will provide for Ranching and value addition to cattle rearing and associated businesses.

This, he explained, would reduce the stress on land and water, which was shrinking with more demands.