Akii of Kwararafa: AVM Monday Morgan calls for peace amid Benue, Plateau killings

The newly installed Akii of the Kwararafa Kingdom, Air Vice Marshal Monday R. Morgan (rtd), has called for lasting peace in Benue and Plateau states, lamenting the recent wave of killings that has left many communities devastated.

Morgan made the appeal during a reception organised in his honour following his conferment as the Akii of the Kwararafa Kingdom, saying the celebration came at a time when communities in the North-Central region were mourning victims of violent attacks.

“Today is actually a wonderful day, but the entire region is bleeding. My home state, Benue, particularly Idoma land, and Plateau State are bleeding from the activities of bandits,” he said.

He noted that although the reception had been scheduled before the recent attacks, his thoughts remained with the victims and their families.

“There was no way we could have shifted this occasion because it had already been planned. I want to send a solemn message to the victims of those attacks. They are in our thoughts today,” Morgan stated.

The retired Air Vice Marshal stressed that restoring peace must remain a collective responsibility, pledging to contribute to efforts aimed at fostering unity and peaceful coexistence across the region.

“The region must receive peace. We are committed to peace, and we are going to go to every length to ensure that peace returns to our region,” he said.

Morgan also urged the people of Benue to remain united in confronting insecurity, describing the state as a land of peace whose people have always demonstrated courage in difficult times.

“Benue is for peace. It is a land that has produced great warriors, and we are gifted by God to help rescue people who are in bondage. Let us all come together until these criminal elements are completely rooted out,” he said.

Calling for stronger unity among the people of the Kwararafa Kingdom, Morgan said descendants of the ancient kingdom must strengthen their bonds and collaborate for the common good.

“If we strengthen our relationships, collaborate with one another, build bridges and shake hands across those bridges, there is no way those who do not wish us peace will overcome us,” he said.

He added that dialogue, rather than violence, remains the most effective path to peace and development.

“This is the age of modernity. It is no longer the time of wars fought with bows and arrows. This is the era of dialogue that builds nations,” he stated.

Morgan further stressed the need to protect the ancestral lands of the Kwararafa people, describing the region as agriculturally rich and capable of sustaining its people.

“We have abundant human resources within Kwararafa, and we are proud that we have fertile land that can feed our people. This is the land that has been under contestation. We will protect it by every lawful means,” he declared.

He also announced plans to institute an annual Kwararafa reunion in Wukari to strengthen ties among descendants of the ancient kingdom.

The reception was attended by prominent personalities, including senior military officers, political leaders, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries who gathered to celebrate Morgan’s elevation as the Akii of the Kwararafa Kingdom.