The New Experience Newspapers Online News Indepth, Analysis and More
Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has said that those fomenting crisis in the state, no matter how highly placed, will be arrested and prosecuted.
Ortom stated this at the Government House, Makurdi, when he received report from the commission of inquiry into the Tiv/Jukun.
The governor vowed not to allow anyone create disaffection between Tiv and Jukun in Benue who had been living as brothers for ages.
He maintained that those mentioned in the report to be responsible for the crisis, which led to loss of lives and wanton destruction of property would be made to face the law.
According to Orton, both Jukun and Tiv, whether in Taraba or Benue, must learn to live in peace with one another, stressing that no one has the right to displace any of the ethnic groups, whether in Benue or Taraba.
His worlds: “I have met with my brother, the governor of Taraba State, Darius Ishaku, and we have agreed that both Tiv and Jukun must learn to live together in peace and harmony.
“We have also agreed to fast-track demarcation of boundary, and once that is done, wherever you belong, you will have to pay respect to the authority in that place.
“I have seen a lot of media report from both sides, but I want to call on Tiv and Jukun ethnic associations to shield their swords and allow peace to reign.
“We must not allow people to bring sentiments, because the two states have the constitutional right to make laws. In Benue, everybody must respect the laws of the land.”
Chairman of the commission of inquiry, Justice Wilfred Igba, said based on the investigation carried out, the crisis were caused by either chieftaincy or land disputes.
Justice Igba revealed that one of the recommendations was that government should provide a layout and take charge of land matters in the two communities to end the crisis.
He added that the people must be made to strictly follow the law on chieftaincy in installing their tradition rulers.
“We have also identified people who are behind the crisis and recommended that they should be investigated and prosecuted,” he added.
