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Kogi: Committee on Bagana crisis submits report, IDPs to return home.
IDRIS AHMED, LOKOJA.
The Internally Displaced Persons from Omala local government area of Kogi State, due to constant communal clashes, have been advised to return home as necessary security arrangement has been put in place for their safety.
Chairman, Omala Local Government Council in Kogi state, Hon. Ibrahim Aboh gave the assurance when he received the report on the Bagana crisis on Thursday in Lokoja, the state capital.
The chairman who commended the committee for their painstaking efforts in proffering solutions to the crisis said he will study the report to implement it for the overall interest of the people.
While lamenting that the crisis has taken a toll on the people and their economic lives, urged the belligerents to lay down their arms and embrace peace.
He disclosed that a review committee will be set up to understudy the report to make workable input that will permanently resolve the imbroglio.
Hon. Aboh assured the people that Governor Yahaya Bello is working assiduously to end the senseless crisis as he had directed the setting up of the committee.
While expressing confidence in the capacity and integrity of the members of the Committee, the Chairman promised to forward the final report to Governor Yahaya Bello for implementation.
He, therefore, commended the Attah Igala, HRM. Matthew Alaji Oguche Akpa and Ojogba of Ife HRH. Boniface Musa for their positive concern at resolving the over a decade crisis that has destroyed property worth millions of Naira and sources of livelihood for the people.
While presenting the report to the Executive Chairman, Hon Ibrahim Aboh, the Chairman of the Committee, Col. Suleiman Babanawa (Rtd) commended Governor Yahaya Bello and the Omala Chairman, Hon. Ibrahim Aboh for their efforts in the resolution of the crisis.
He noted that while concluding, the committee adopted a proactive methodology that looked at the historical perspective, the legal implications, and the natural justice and social-economic variables that caused the crisis.
Col. Babanawa added that the committee has advised the relocation of traditional stools to their domains, and for the state government to take decisive action on the collection of revenues from the town as a panacea to the clashes.
The committee specifically directed the Onu Omagede, Chief Salifu Anyebe, and his counterparts at Ihankpe to immediately relocate their palaces to their respective domain and to recognize the constituted traditional institution in the order of hierarchy.
He urged the Government to provide both conventional and unconventional security apparatus to forestall incursions of militias from the neighboring states, urging that the chairman should always call on the committee and well-meaning sons and daughters of the council for advice.
It would be recalled, that the Bagana crisis that started as farmers and herder, snowballed into clannish clashes that have rendered many homeless.
