Egbira youth Group rejects Bassa Kwomu planned return to Toto LGA unless
….Government should resolve long-standing land disputes with input from youth before taking action.
By Roseline Okafor, Nasarawa State.
In a strongly worded statement, the Egbira youth Association has made it clear that they will not permit the return of the Bassa community to Egbiraland unless specific requirements are fulfilled. The association is resolute in its determination to protect the rights and interests of its people, and will not compromise on matters of vital importance.
The Ayikwu Egbira Onobihun, also known as the National Egbira Youth Association, has appealed to the Nasarawa State government to suspend its proposed plan to return the Bassa community to Egbiraland in Toto local government area.
The appeal was made through a communique distributed to journalists at the Abdullahi Adamu Youth Center in Toto Local Government Area on Saturday.
In a communique read by Prince Hamisu Omaki, Vice President of the Ayikwu Egbira Onobihun, the association’s resolution, reached at its meeting on Friday, 13th December 2024, acknowledged Governor Abdullahi Sule’s development efforts in the state, while calling for the engagement of youth in decision-making processes regarding the return of the Bassa community to Egbiraland.
“We, the Ayikwu Egbira Onoibihu (National) of Egbira Community, wish to express our strong reservations and opposition to the premature return of Bassa Kwomu to Egbira land, as proposed by the Governor of Nasarawa State, which has rekindled deep-seated tensions and poses a significant threat to peace and stability in our community, considering the protracted communal crisis.”
“The historical context and intricacies of the Bassa Kwomu situation demand thorough examination. The unresolved disputes and animosity between the Egbira and Bassa Kwomu communities have resulted in violence, loss of lives, and the displacement of countless families. Rushing the return of Bassa Kwomu without addressing the root causes and ensuring the safety and security of all parties involved would be an ill-advised decision that could reignite the flames of conflict.”
According to the association, the Egbira communities in Toto Local Government have experienced frequent attacks, leading to significant casualties, including the loss of District Heads from communities including katakpa, Aggeh, Shege, kuwa, and Ugya. Notably, the Governor of Nasarawa State has not made any visits or sent delegations to the affected areas to console the victims or their representatives from the state and National Assembly.
The Ayikwu Egbira Onobihu (National) of Egbira Community, urged the Governor of Nasarawa State to reconsider this decision and prioritize peacebuilding efforts that are youth inclusive over hasty actions, which according to him, such decisions always occur when elections are approaching.
“Engaging all relevant stakeholders, including community leaders, traditional rulers, and most importantly the youth representatives, in open dialogue and consultation is crucial to chart a sustainable path towards reconciliation and lasting peace.”
The Egbira Youths appealed to the Governor to intervene decisively in resolving the underlying issues fueling the communal crisis, including land disputes, resource allocation, and socio-political marginalization, maintaining that sustainable peace can only be achieved through justice, equity, and inclusive governance that addresses the legitimate grievances of all parties involved.
They expressed their appreciation to Toto stakeholders for organizing an expanded security meeting to achieve a positive resolution, indicating that youth are willing to engage constructively with all stakeholders to promote a peaceful and harmonious coexistence in Toto Local Government and beyond.
