By Emmanuel Antswen
A Social Cultural organisation, Shangev-Tiev Assembly (STA) has urged Gov. Hycinth Alia of Benue to constitute a judicial commission of inquiry into the ongoing Bonta and Ukpute crisis.
The group, who made the call on Wednesday in Makurdi at a news conference, said only a true commission of inquiry can reveal the truth and provide solutions to the crisis.
Mr Peter Vande, Spokesman of the group, said the crisis which started in 1997, has so far claimed several lives and destroyed property worth millions.
He said the latest was the recent killing of six students of the College of Education, Oju.
Vande called on Alia to temporarily close the school for the safety of innocent students.
“We are deeply saddened by the persistent crises between the Bonta community of Shangev-Tiev and the Igede of Ukpute Community in which many people have lost their lives and property worth millions of Naira.
“He should also institute a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate and recommend appropriate sanction to the government,” he said.
Vande said before 1997, the Igede and Tiv communities lived together in peace and harmony.
He acknowledged the efforts of the governor through his deputy to initiate the boundary reestablishment project that would permanently end the crisis.
“We, hereby, appeal that this exercise be speedily executed to restore peace,“he said.
The spokesman alleged that the Ukpute community, through the Igede Youth Council, had accused the governor of bias instead of supporting his peace initiatives.
He appealed to the Federal, State and Local Governments as well as NGOs, donors and humanitarian agencies around the world to aid the displaced Bonta people.
“We humbly appeal to SEMA, NEMA, and international NGOs to recognise the scale of this crisis and to provide urgent assistance to those affected.
“Bonta families are in dire need of food, shelter, and security, as the continued aggression has left many struggling to survive.
“The humanitarian needs are severe and pressing, requiring coordinated aid to prevent further suffering and starvation,” he said NAN
Edited by Chidi Opara/Joseph Edeh
