Kwande Council chairman Sues For Peaceful Coexistence Among Two Border Communities

By ZAKAA LAZARUS-Abuja.

The Caretaker Chairman of Kwande local Government area of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Mark Teryila Hule, on 5th January 2024 attended the Peace Meeting between the Mbakunu people of Kwande LGA, Benue State and the Lisiche people of Ubanliku LGA, Cross River State organized by the Local Technical Boundary Committee over the lingering boundary crisis in the area.

This was made known in statement issued by the council spokesperson, Ahundu Joseph on Friday.

According to Ahundu, “the delegation led by the chairman of council Rev. Fr. Hule was part of his administration efforts towards ensuring genuine reconciliation by the government through a fair boundary demarcation and ending the cycle of violence in the area in order to achieve total Peace.

Rev. Hule stated, that humanity should be the fulcrum for sustainable peaceful co-existence through which disputes would be resolved through dialogue and mutual respect for values, while individual beliefs should be raised above parochial interest.

While thanking His Excellency Rev Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia PhD, for his many initiatives, aimed at ensuring peaceful co-existence between worrying communities, the chairman also took time to appreciate the traditional institutions from the two divides for their intervention and other proactive measures to prevent the crisis from escalating once again.

The Local Technical Boundary Committee chairman, Sunny Ayang PhD, disclosed, that the committee have elaborately discussed with the two communities and they both resolved to forgive all who have offended them in the interest of peace and stability, while assuring the Kwande Council Chairman, that there will be no reprisals as they were happy that peace is finally restored.

The Council Helmsman appreciated the Local Technical Boundary Committee, Traditional rulers, Security Agencies, Community Associations and other stakeholders for their efforts at mitigating the violent clashes which had lingered in the area for over 17 years.

The Caretaker Chairman assured them that Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia administration would continue to support the implementation of the agreement reached between all parties involved.