PLATEAU: IRIGWE/FULANI LEADERS’ AGREEMENT TO LIVE IN PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE, COMING SOON!

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Irigwe Nation in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State and the Fulani are on the verge of signing an agreement that would settle grey areas that would make them live peacefully together. REALITY can authoritative state.

REALITY gathered that, this position was reached, after both parties met for the second time within two weeks, with Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State in an effort to find lasting solutions to the recurring violence in some areas of Bassa Local Government.

The meeting, which held at the Government House Rayfield Jos, had the representatives of the two sides under one roof, who presented their positions on how best to achieve lasting peace and security in the area.

According to a Government Press Statement, signed by Dr. Makut Simon Macham, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State, dated 1^st September 2021, Both sides, had earlier met with the Governor separately, and had expressed their readiness to forgive one another in areas they have suffered injustice in the past, as well as, come back together and coexist under a peaceful atmosphere.

“They also agreed to further sit together and fine tune issues that are causing the conflict before they come up with a final document”. The release had stated.

The release added that, “Governor Lalong after listening to them said, while Government will do its part in ensuring that criminals are arrested and prosecuted, the responsibility of living in peace lies with the citizens, who must come together and identify the criminals”.

The Governor went further to assure them that, he would be glad to go to Irigwe land and witness the signing of the agreement, when it is fine tuned.

The Government he said will play its part in implementing whatever pact is signed.

He directed the Peace Building Agency to follow up and midwife the process.

While that is being awaited, the Governor assured them that, those affected and displaced would receive palliatives from the State and Federal Government, while other measures to assist them to rebuild would further be strengthened.