We’ve restored peace in Toto LG, now we must sustain it, — Says Toto LG Executive Chairman
….Saboteurs will face severe consequences
…. ENDA slams Captain Abbas for hastily returning the Bassas against Toto LG security arrangements, saying his desperation nearly breached security
By Yahaya Idris, Nasarawa
Pharmacist Ahmed Baba Yahaya, the Executive Chairman of Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, has affirmed that since assuming office, he has been unwavering in his efforts to achieve lasting peace in the area. He said dedication and commitment of all stakeholders has played a crucial role in facilitating the return of Bassa Kwomu people, who had long displaced due to communal conflicts.
He acknowledged that the significant successes recorded by his administration would not have been possible without the timely support and cooperation from state government and security agencies
The chief security officer said collaborative spirit has been key in advancing peace and stability in Toto LGA.
The Toto LGC Boss spoke on Wednesday at the Ohimegye Opanda Palace in Umaisha Development Area, during a peace and security parley he conveyed with the Egbira National Development Association (ENDA) and the Bassa Cultural Development Association (BCDA), in partnership with Principal Partners Institute for Integrated Transitions (IFIT), Middle Belt Brain Trust (MBBT), with support from the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), a Non-Governmental Organisation dedicated to fostering peace in the area
Global Times Nigeria reports that Toto Local Government Council (LGC), in partnership with the Institute for Integrated Transitions (IFIT), Middle Belt Brain Trust (MBBT), and the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), has conducted conflict sensitivity trainings for the two major ethnic groups in the area.
He explained that the training were done to promote understanding and cooperation between the groups, to reduce tensions and prevent future communal conflicts and to lay the groundwork for sustainable and lasting peace in Toto LGA
The elated Executive Chairman applauded the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Alhaji Sule, for his fair and just leadership. He specifically commended the Governor’s efforts in ensuring peaceful coexistence between the conflicting parties within the area, highlighting his role in fostering harmony and stability in the state.
According to him, the Governor Sule’s purposeful leadership has been instrumental in supporting the ongoing peacebuilding initiatives in Toto LGA.
Yahaya expressed his gratitude and praised the Chairman of the Toto LGA Traditional Council of Chiefs, Ohimegye Opanda, HRH Alhaji Usman Abdullahi, along with other royal fathers. He acknowledged their invaluable guidance and steadfast support in the ongoing efforts to sustain peace within the LG
He also recognized the cooperation and contributions of various security agencies in the area, which have been crucial in maintaining order and fostering a peaceful environment in Toto LGA.
Speaking on behalf of the Egbira community, Barrister MD Zabairu, representing the Egbira National Development Association (ENDA), speaking at the meeting expressed disappointment over handling of return process single-handed carried out by Captain Abbas
Zabairu criticized Captain Abbas for sidelining Egbira stakeholders during the initial phase of returning displaced Bassa Kwomu people.
He noted that Abbas acted hastily by attempting to return the Bassas directly to Ugya town instead of following the agreed plan to first accommodate them in Toto before relocating them to other camps.
He emphasized that all security agencies in Toto LGA operate under the authority of the Executive Chairman, making Abbas’s unilateral actions inappropriate.
Barr. Zabairu condemned these actions, he said such action nearly caused a security breach and unnecessary panic in the area.
Zabairu expressed appreciation to Pharmacist Ahmed Baba Yahaya for his leadership and efforts in fostering peace. He affirmed that the Egbira leaders fully support the Chairman and encouraged him to continue his good work toward lasting peace in the area.
He highlighted the importance of respecting traditional leadership structures in resolving community issues.
“The Bassa people should always bring their concerns and problems to their leader, the Aguma Bassa, rather than taking the law into their own hands. The Aguma, in turn, has the responsibility to report and consult with Ohimegye Opanda, the head of the Traditional Council in Toto Local Government Area, the Ohimegye will brief the council boss as the chief security officer of the LG.”
According to him, this approach reinforces the role of traditional authorities in maintaining peace and order, ensuring that disputes are managed through established cultural channels to prevent escalation.
“The Egbiras have never obstructed the Bassas from coming to this land; instead, we are advocating for a sincere understanding between the two ethnic groups. We should be able to determine the origins of the problems and ascertain who is right and at fault. When we accomplish this, peace will not only be attained but also sustained for the long haul.” Zabairu said
Other speakers, including Mr. Friday Dansabo, Bassa Cultural Development Association, BCDA, ACG Rtd Ezekiel Kaura, Gbagyi representative, and Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Tashas, Gade representative, conveyed appreciation to the Governor of Nasarawa State, Toto LG Chairman, IFIT, MBBT, and FCDO, for their efforts.
They commended the Nasarawa State government and Toto LGC Boss for achieving this feat and advised the returning Bassas to cooperate with the authorities to ensure a smooth stay.
On his part, Seth Caplan, a foreign embassy representative, expressed his admiration for what he witnessed. He noted that the peace initiators have fulfilled their obligations, and it is now incumbent upon the concerned parties to acknowledge the reality.
The foreign envoy further emphasized that peace is conducive to prosperity and advised the two ethnic groups to relinquish past grievances and concentrate on building a future that guarantees peace, progress, and development.
In a vote of thanks, the Ohimegye Opanda, HRH. Alhaji Usman Abdullahi, the President of the Toto local government traditional council of chiefs, acknowledged the foreign embassy representative, Seth Caplan, and his entourage during the event.
He expressed optimism about the future of Toto local government area, urging all stakeholders to foster unity and cooperation, regardless of ethnic, religious, or socio-cultural differences, in order to not only replicate the achievements of their forebears but to also exceed them and build a greater Toto local government area.
The event bringing together prominent stakeholders including Barr. Muhammed Musa Tanko Osuku, the Executive Chairman Kogi State Civil Service Commission, Hon Salisu Adakeke, from Kogi State Universal Basic Education Board, security chiefs, paramount rulers: such as Ohinoyi Ogye, HRH. Alhaji Umar Muhammed Azaki, his counterpart from Gadabuke, Yelwa and various village heads, others include Yarus Dagusa, the Nasarawa State APC secretary and stakeholders from various tribes
The occasion also featured the decoration of Egbira native attire on foreign envoys and NGOs representatives.
