Francis Ottah-Agbo celebrates restoration of peace between Okpoga, Ollo Communities in Olanyenga (Photos)

The Honourable Member, House of Representatives, representing Ado, Okpokwu, Ogbadibo Federal Constituency (Benue State), Dr Francis Ottah Agbo today attends the celebration of the restoration of peace between Okpoga and Ollo communities in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State.

Dr. Agbo, who is the Spokesman of the Minority Caucus and the Chairman of Drugs and Narcotics Committee went down memory of how he had visited Edumoga and Okpoga Districts to sue for peace after the senseless killings in the two communities and expressed happiness that finally peace has returned. While the Ozigizaga of Enone politics told the gathering that no amount of military hardware/software, army or police can engender peace in any community, except the belief, determination and the desire of the people to live in peace that can engender peace and unity. The event was at the instance of the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Engr. Benson Abounu.

The Feed back lawmaker thanked the Governor of Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ortom for his zero tolerance for crime and criminality. The lawmaker commended Engr. Abounu for his political sagacity and for mustering the political will which has culminated in the peace rally. He said the grand celebration which took place at Olanyega signposted a new dawn and unity between the two communities.

It should be recalled that, there was a peace agreement between the people of Okpoga and Ollo – Edumoga on Friday, 23rd August, 2019. Based on the peace agreement, today’s date was chosen for the celebration of the restoration of peace and unity between the two communities.

The event was also attended by Engr Benson Abounu, political, traditional and religious leaders from the area as well as other stakeholders. The leaders of the two warring communities- Chesco and Matthew embraced each other and promised never again to take arms against anybody. The Deputy Governor subsequently granted amnesty to Chesco, Matthew and their fierce looking boys who had turned Okpokwu into a killing field.

Prayers were offered for the peace and unity in the area by the Christian leaders while the traditional rulers in the area poured water on the ground to mark the return of peace. A minute of silence was observed for those who died during the communal crisis. Guests were treated to a variety of cultural dance!