Community members from Guma Local Government Area of Benue state have called for an end to revenge attacks in their domain to allow for a peaceful living among them.
The community members comprising of farmers, herders and Jukun leaders stated this at a Community and Security Architecture Dialogue, CSAD, meeting organized in Makurdi, by Search For Common Ground, an International NGO working for peace in the state.
The Next Edition reports that while some of the members came from Guma local government, others came from Awe Local Government in Nasarawa state where they ran to for safety in the heat of the herders-farmers crisis.
The members, during the meeting, identified several issues which are still causing disharmony among the herding and farming communities which include destruction of crops due to night grazing, use of child herders, as well as continuous rustling of cattle, rape and revenge attack among others.
The meeting advised all parties to desist from destroying each other’s means of livelihood stating that both Holy Books; Bible and Koran forbid destruction of food.
They also enjoined both Christian and Muslim leaders to educate their faithful against rape, drug abuse and other vices to ensure a secured and orderly Benue society.
The meeting also kicked against use of children to herd cattle and advised herders to rather employ the services of matured people.
Earlier, the State Project Coordinator for Search, Mr. Joshua Chorbe thanked members for attending and participating in meetings saying it is an indication that they are interested in the peace initiatives.
Speaking on behalf of the organization’s Country Director, Sher Nawaz, Mr. Chorbe said their mission is to see a peaceful Benue where all parties co-exist anf engaging in a robust economic development.
He also urged all communities in Benue to collaborate, build trust and confidence among themselves and settle their differences away from adversarial approaches.
