In what appears to be an end to the age-long communal crisis involving the Bassa and Egbira ethnic communities in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, the Aguma of Bassa Turunku Chiefdom, HRH Dr. David Tukura, has disclosed that his people were ready to sign a 6-monthly zero violence pact with the Egbiras towards ensuring lasting peace in the area.
The traditional ruler made the disclosure when he led a delegation of the Bassa people on a Sallah homage to Governor Abdullahi Sule of the state at the Government House, on Thursday.
Dr. Tukura, who is the newly-appointed Aguma of Bassa, explained that, desirous of lasting peace in the area, the Bassa people had agreed to sign the peace pact which would be reviewed constantly with a view to ensuring that peace returns permanently to the troubled communities.
While stressing that there would not be any meaningful development without peace, the Aguma Bassa added that his people are ready to embrace peace with their neighbours, calling on the governor.
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He also made case for the government to resettle displaced persons from both the warring communities, saying that for actual peace to reign, government should resettle internally displaced persons from the two ethnic groups.
The traditional ruler sought for the return of his people who fled the crisis area to such far flung areas like Ondo, Ekiti, Abuja, among others, adding that the IDPs were yearning to return home and to their farms.
Dr. Tukura used the opportunity to expressed appreciation to the previous administration of Sen. Umaru Tanko Al-makura for creating the Turunku chiefdom, urging Governor Sule to continue with the good work started by his predecessor by giving him his staff of office.
Responding, the governor expressed his joy over the decision of the Bassa community to sign a peace pact with the Egbiras, saying he will personally witness the epoch making event when the time comes.
While highlighting that peace is necessary for any meaningful development, the governor emphasized that the peace pact is coming at a time when his administration is putting measures in place to end the prolonged crisis.
Governor Sule commended the traditional ruler for his foresight and for leading his people towards ensuring lasting peace with their neighbours.
The governor disclosed that Toto Local Government Area is among the first to benefit from the activities of private investors, as according to him, an investor has agreed to establish a rice plantation in the area, which will create employment and other opportunities for the people.
