People from Bassa community, along with other displaced persons from Toto Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State, have officially returned to their ancestral homes after several years of displacement.
Pharm. Ahmed Baba Yahaya, the Executive Chairman of Toto LGA, assured the returnees of his administration’s continued collaboration with relevant agencies to maintain peace in the region.
Speaking to the returnees at Government Secondary School (GSS) Ugya on Monday, the chairman, represented by his deputy, Hon. Atnadu Sunday Yakubu, emphasized the council’s commitment to fostering peace and unity among local communities.
“Anyone found attempting to disrupt the peace efforts or threatening the harmony of this area will face the full force of the law,” he cautioned.
He highlighted the importance of peaceful coexistence for the development of society, adding, “Peace is invaluable and non-negotiable. We must continue to pray and tolerate each other, despite our differences.”
Pharm. Yahaya urged the Bassa and other communities to stay united for the progress of the region. He also vowed to enhance agriculture and attract investments to utilize the natural resources in Toto LGA for the benefit of the local population.
The chairman further called on the people to support Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration and its developmental initiatives. He commended the efforts of the 177 Guards Battalion and other security agencies for ensuring peace in the area, as well as HRH Alhaji Usman Abdullahi, the Ohimege of Opanda, for his role in fostering harmony among communities.
In his address, HRH Aguma Bassa, Dr. David Tukura, expressed his gratitude to Governor Sule for facilitating the return of the displaced persons. He also thanked the council chairman, traditional and religious leaders, and security agencies for their support.
Dr. Tukura assured that the Bassa community would remain law-abiding, respect authority, and promote peaceful coexistence.
The event was attended by the council secretary, members of the resettlement committee, and other officials responsible for ensuring a smooth return for the displaced persons.
Recalled that, a land dispute between the Gbagyi and Bassa ethnic groups in Kudu village, Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State had ignited communal clashes which led to death of several people within the communities.
The age-long crisis has disrupted peace and tranquility in the area even as Toto local government has been embroiled in crisis since 1986 with violent clashes of various categories rattling the peace of the largely agrarian community.
After over seven circles of crisis lasting almost forty years, with each circle involving a colossal loss of lives, destruction of property and wholesale displacement of persons, the government of Nasarawa State in 2019, created a legal vehicle that would allow the warring communities to peacefully resolve their disputes.
Displaced Bassa people, others officially return to ancestral homes in Nasarawa
