Peace Returns in Nasarawa after Two Years of Benue Anti-grazing Hostilities

Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

Peace has finally returned to Kwara community in Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa State after about two years of crisis arising from the implementation of the anti-grazing law in Benue State at the border between Benue and Nasarawa States.

Announcing the return of peace yesterday at his palace, the traditional ruler of Kwara community, HRH Usman Waya Abubakar, declared peace in his chiefdom when the Tiv community in his domain led by their leader, Boniface Ifer, came to inform him that the Tiv people have returned to their villages and farmlands after a period of crisis during which insecurity prevailed.

He explained further that the crisis that led to the displacement of the Tiv community did not emanate from Nasarawa State, but in Benue State, adding that the Tiv community in Kwara were just victim of circumstances, and regretted the crisis which led to some destruction of property.

The traditional ruler revealed that the Fulani people have been complaining to him that they are missing Tiv farmers in Kwara community, and that the bushes are empty and they are afraid of grazing lonely in the bush, and have severally appealed to him to do everything humanly possible to bring back the Tiv farmers.

He thank the Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule for always reaching out for peace and indeed ensuring that peace reigns in the state, and appreciate Governor Hycenth Alia of Benue State for allowing freedom of movement as his method of tackling herdsmen crisis along the bother.

The Kwara community had witnessed insecurity following the death of about 9 people as a result of the anti-grazing law in Benue State which affected the Kwara community and displaced the Tiv community in the area, where houses, food items and other valuables were destroyed and some lives lost.

The traditional ruler, who declared the return of peace in his domain, explained that he is working hard with the leadership of Alagos, Eggons, Mada Kasa, and the Ardos on a visitation tour round the communities in his domain to announce that peace has finally returned to Kwara community.

He explained that any Tiv farmer who returns to his village or farm and discovered that such has been occupied by any Fulani man should report to him, as such person will have to leave.

Speaking earlier, the Leader of the Tiv community in Kwara, Mr. Boniface Ifer, said they were at the palace to formerly inform the traditional ruler that they are fully back to their ancestral villages to continue their farm activities.

He said the crisis which led to their displacement is over and that they were fully back to their villages, thanking Governor Sule and the traditional ruler for ensuring that peace returns to Kwara community.