From Sylvanus Viashima, Jalingo
Sequel to the recent boundary adjustment aimed at finding lasting solution to the lingering crisis between Benue and Taraba states, Governors Samuel Ortom and Darius Ishaku of Benue and Taraba states respectively, yesterday, agreed to restore peace to the troubled areas by maintaining the status quo.
Governor Samuel Ortom disclosed this at a joint states security meeting held in Kashimbila after a tour of some boarder communities between the two states, adding that the prolonged crisis which had resulted in the loss of several lives and property was totally unacceptable.
According to Ortom, the peace deal was hinged on the resolution that Moon and Chanchangi villages which had been ceded to Taraba and Benue states respectively should be returned to where they primarily belong. This, he said, was to end continued fights in the affected areas.
His words: “We appreciate the National Boundary Commission for the efforts in adjusting the boundaries between Taraba and Benue. However, these adjustments have resulted into crises that have claimed several lives such that we can no longer tolerate it.”
“Today, myself and my counterpart from Taraba have resolved that we would return to the status-quo with Moon going back to Benue and Chanchanji to Taraba as against the arrangements of the Boundary commission. We would set up technical committee to fine tune the technicalities and report to us for onwards action with the boundary commission.”
On his part, Governor Ishaku enjoined the people to learn to live in peace irrespective of tribes, religion and political affiliation. He noted that the practice of open grazing was no longer fashionable anywhere in the world and therefore called on the herdsmen to set up ranches to end the incessant famers-herders feud across the country.
“This peace initiative is between Ortom and Darius for Benue and Taraba states. I can assure you that this would not be as the previous initiatives that never yielded results in the past. We are going about this with a serious sense of dedication and commitment and such diligence that, there won’t be room for failure”, Ishaku said.