Benue govt to commence demarcation of Bonta/Ukpute borders as warring communities resolve to end crisis

In furtherance of the efforts of the Benue State Government to ensure sustainable peace among the Bonta people of Konshisha local government area and Ukpute people of Oju local government area, the warring neighbouring communities have agreed to cease all forms of hostilities and embrace the peaceful demarcation of their borders.

This is the outcome of an expanded state security council meeting, convened by Governor Samuel Ortom and presided over by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Benson Abounu held today at the Benue People’s House, Makurdi.

The meeting resolved that there should be sensitisation of the youths of Bonta, Ukpute and Ocholo to encourage peace and harmony among them, and that they should convene a meeting where they will jointly discuss peace, feast together, and sign a peace agreement.i

Furthermore, the meeting resolved that the Konshisha – Oju road be opened for traffic and remain accessible and safe to all and sundry, while a Police post should be established within the area to serve both Bonta and Ukpute.

The meeting, which was attended by the Council chairmen, and traditional rulers from the two local government areas, stakeholders from Bonta and Ukpute and representatives of the Tor-Tiv, HRM, Orchivirigh Prof James Ayaytse and the Och’Idoma, HRM, Agabaidu Dr. Elias Ikoyi Obekpa, further resolved that traditional rulers should sit up and take full charge of their domains, while the youths were tasked to fish out the criminal elements among them to pave way for sustainable peace in the area.

The Tor Lobi, HRH, Sir Moses Anagende represented the Tor-Tiv at the meeting, while the Och’Idoma was represented by the Ad’Enone, HRH, Chief (Engr) George Edeh.

A minute silence was observed in honour of the 12 military personnel that were killed in the course of trying to keep peace between the two neighbouring communities.