Displaced Bassas return to Toto LG with Military accompaniment amidst weak protocol, stakeholders left out
….Residents are concerned that Bassas using bush paths instead of authorized routes may be carrying sophisticated weapons
Tension builds as the military has taken over the resettlement plans for displaced Bassas from Toto Local Government, ignoring protocol and relevant stakeholders
While the residents of Toto Local Government were waiting for the government to implement the decisions of the committee on the return of displaced Bassas to Toto when Dr. David Tukura, traditional ruler of Turunku Chiefdom, allegedly led hundreds of unidentified persons and military officers from Abuja to claim ownership of several villages.
Nasarawa State Government has slated the resettlement exercise for the Bassa Kwomu ethnic group who were displaced due to communal crises in Toto Local Government area for decades.
Governor Abdullahi Sule obtained the trust of local stakeholders concerning the return of refugees, as necessary steps were being formulated for the return protocol.
Reports from Toto Local Government area reveal that hundreds of Bassas, supported by soldiers from the 177 battalion, stormed the area on Monday, January 10, allegedly to begin a resettlement exercise in various towns and villages in the area.
As observed by residents, some returnees are viewed with suspicion, since they are not originally from the local government area and appear to have been co-opted into claiming properties.
It was also observed that non-indigenes claiming Toto LGA as their home may be a source of fresh troubles if not properly profiled.
Currently, the authorities of Toto Local Government have disassociated themselves from the military’s involvement in the resettlement of the displaced Bassas.
A reliable source within the local government Secretariat has indicated that plans for the return of displaced Bassas are being developed, but no concrete arrangements have been made.
Nasarawa State Government in collaboration with the Federal Government and Toto Local Government will mobilize, organize peace and resettlement process devoid of military involvement.
There are allegations and rumors suggesting that Bassa leaders allegedly hired military personnel to accompany them in an attempt to intimidate the Egbiras and other residents into submitting to their demands.
Another source revealed that some Bassa Kwomu returnees were observed traversing the bush through an unauthorized path to reach Toto LG, thereby generating significant tension, as the reasons behind their actions and the items they transported to avoid apprehension are unknown.
In response to inquiries, Hon. Atnadu Yakubu, Vice Chairman of Toto Local Government Council, disclosed that the Council was aware of reports regarding the anticipated arrival of displaced Bassas, but remained uncertain about the specifics, pending guidance from the State Governor, Engnr Abdullahi Sule.
In an interview on Tuesday morning, Hon. Mohammed Garba Isimbabi, member representing Toto/Gadabuke constituency at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, disclosed that although the government has established a mechanism for the return of displaced Bassas, Monday’s events were not within his knowledge.
He therefore advised residents of the local government to remain calm, peaceful and prayerful, and avoid any acts that could precipitate a crisis.
Meanwhile, the villages, towns, and communities in the area are reportedly on high alert to avoid being caught off guard by the invading Bassas.
