Nasarawa Governor Moves to End Udege Crisis
In an effort to restore lasting peace in Udege Development Area of Nasarawa Local Government Area, Governor Abdullahi Sule has enacted decisive measures aimed at resolving the crisis and preventing further loss of life and property damage.
Therefore, Governor Sule has banished contending families from Odu and Embu from the control Mararaba, to pave the way for the appointment of an administrator who would work towards peaceful resolution of the conflict in the area.
The Governor made the decision during an expanded security meeting with Afo stakeholders at the Government House on Monday.
He announced the decision of his administration to appoint an administrator for Udege Development Area, with two members each to be drawn from Odu and Embu communities.
“As a government, we must take a decision to ensure peace in the land. We cannot allow the status quo to continue. We have decided that, from the government’s perspective, neither of the two contending houses will be recognized as controlling Mararaba in Udege Development Area.”
“We are going to appoint an administrator for that particular area who will assist the government in coming up with the final solutions,’ he stated.”
“While appealing to the warring factions to sheath their swords and give peace a chance, he noted that especially with current developments in Udege, where mining activities have taken centre stage, the decision taken by his administration is based on various reports submitted in collective efforts to end the mayhem in Udege.”
“Our decisions will be based on all the reports, not just one. We must consider the reports in their entirety. I want everyone to remember that Mararaba is no longer a small village, it has grown. This is why the entire Afo land, which was once one district under Udege, now has six. It would not be surprising to establish another chieftaincy in Mararaba itself, considering its expansion. If we do, we will work with the administrator we appoint, based on the reports we receive, to ensure everyone is represented. ”
He called on the stakeholders to consider Mararaba as belonging to the Afo Nation, not minding their differences.
“According to history, Mararaba has always been under Odu. Mararaba has grown more than Odu to the point that Mararaba should be independent. Or Mararaba should have a different status. Mararaba has grown. It is even bigger than Odu,” he said.
Speakkng on his recent trip to China, Governor Sule emphasized the need for peace in the area, particularly with more discoveries of mineral resources such as lithium and tantalite, with Kenyang Mining Company committed to establishing a $250m tantalite processing plant in Udege.
In his opening remarks, National Legal Adviser to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Abdulkarim Kana (SAN), expressed concern that the crisis in Afo land has escalated to the point where Afo stakeholders must be summoned before the Governor.
Professor Kana made an appeal to the Afo people to cease hostilities and embrace peace, thereby supporting Governor Sule’s administration in its quest to develop the area.
Yahaya Owuna, a retired Navy Commodore, presented several compelling reasons why Afo people should relinquish their arms and permit peace to reign in the area.
