“… holds national press conference in Toto LG…”
The National Egbura Youth Association, an umbrella body of Egbura youths in Nigeria known as Ayikwu Egbura Onobihun, has called on the Nasarawa State Government to suspend the plan arrangement to return Bassa community to Toto LGA of the State.
The appeal was made through a communique issued to Journalists at Abdullahi Adamu Youth Center, Toto LGA Saturday.
Reading the communique, at a press briefing on behalf of the Ayikwu Egbura Onobihun, the National Vice President of the Association, Prince Hamisu Omaki, said their resolution at the end of their meeting held on Friday, 13th December 2024, is that the forum respect and acknowledged the developmental strides and efforts of Governor Abdullahi Sule, towards developing the State.
He said the forum however urged the Governor to always engage the youth before taking any decision in a sensitive matter such as the return of the Bassa community to Egburaland.
“We, the Ayikwu Egbura Onoibihu (National) of Egbura Community, wish to express our profound concerns and opposition to the premature return of Bassa Komu to Egbura land, as proposed by the Governor of Nasarawa State”
“This decision has stirred up deep-seated tensions and poses a significant threat to peace and stability in our communities, considering the ongoing communal crisis that has plagued our region for ages”
“The historical context and intricacies of the Bassa Komu situation cannot be overlooked, the unresolved disputes and animosity between the Egbura and Bassa Komu communities have resulted in violence, loss of lives and the displacement of countless families”
“Rushing the return of Bassa Komu without addressing the root causes and ensuring the safety and security of all parties involved is a reckless move that could reignite the flames of conflict” the Association said.
According to the association, Egbura communities in Toto Local Government has been attacked countless times and several casualties were recorded, including a District Heads from the following communities: Okatakpa, Aggeh, Ohege, Okuwa and Ogya among others, stressing that there has not been a time that the Governor of Nasarawa State visit or send delegation to the scene to console the victims or any of their representatives from the State.
The Ayikwu Egbura Onoibihu (National) of Egbura Community, appealed to the Governor of Nasarawa State to reconsider this decision and prioritize peacebuilding efforts that is youth inclusive over hasty actions, which they said such decision always occurred when elections are approaching.
“It is imperative to engage all relevant stakeholders, including community leaders, traditional rulers and most importantly the youth representatives, in open dialogue and consultation to chart a sustainable path towards reconciliation and lasting peace”
The Egbura Youths urged the Governor to intervene decisively in resolving the underlying issues fueling the communal crisis, such as land disputes, resource allocation and socio-political marginalization, maintaining that sustainable peace can only be achieved through justice, equity and inclusive governance that addresses the legitimate grievances of all parties involved.
They expressed appreciation for Toto stakeholders who convened an expanded security meeting towards achieving positive resolution, disclosing that youth are ready to engage constructively with all stakeholders towards a peaceful and harmonious coexistence in Toto Local Government and beyond.
