Konshisha/Oju crisis: Benue communities agree to end war

Benue State Deputy Governor, and chairman, Benue State Boundary Committee, Engr. Benson Abounu is to lead a delegation of the Boundary Committee to carry out the demarcation of the boundary between the warring Okpute community of Oju local government area and Bonta of Konshisha Local government area of Benue State.

The demarcation exercise, which is to take place one week after the Easter celebration shall be preceded by a joint meeting of youths and elders from the two communities, who shall collectively look at the boundary and identify the flashpoints of disagreement, to ease the work of the demarcation team.

These were some of the decisions arrived at today at a select State Security Council meeting with stakeholders from the two local government areas, among them, traditional rulers, State House of Assembly members, respected elders, local government council chairmen, top government appointees, and youth leaders.

The meeting took place at the New Banquet Hall, Benue People’s House, Makurdi.

In addition, the two communities agreed to cease all forms of hostilities, and open to traffic, the ever busy Awajir-Oju road which has been deserted following the outbreak of hostilities between the two neighbours.

Engr. Abounu, who expressed sadness over the outbreak of hostilities between the two communities after so much peace had been achieved in the talks held some weeks ago at his office, expressed the sympathy of the Benue State Government with all the victims of the needless violence and destruction of lives and properties.

He lamented that officials of the State Boundary Committee sent to the disputed area to resolve the matter, after their last meeting, muddled up the issue, resulting in the fresh outbreak of hostilities.

He called on the victims not to seek revenge, but to forgive their attackers, adding that, as people from the same state, the two communities should strive to live together.