By Muhammed Danjuma Ogwu, Lafia
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has called on traditional rulers to support the peace initiative between Nasarawa and Benue states, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for both states to constitute a joint committee to address recurring violence along their border communities.
Speaking during a meeting with traditional rulers at the Government House in Lafia, Governor Sule emphasized the need for royal involvement in resolving the longstanding crisis, particularly in border areas like Doma, Keana, and Obi. He noted that the monarchs, by virtue of their historical and cultural knowledge, are better positioned to guide the peace process.
“I will rely on our royal fathers at the borders. These issues didn’t start with me or in my time. They’ve existed for generations,” the Governor said, appealing specifically to the Osuko of Obi, Andoma of Doma, Osana of Keana, and Sarkin Giza for their collaboration.
Governor Sule reiterated his administration’s commitment to peaceful coexistence among all ethnic groups, including the Tiv population in Nasarawa, and assured that no group would be discriminated against under his watch.
“My responsibility is to ensure our people continue to live in peace. I am not here to create divisions. These communities have lived together for generations,” he said.
The Governor also briefed the royal fathers on the outcome of the stakeholders’ meeting held in Makurdi during President Tinubu’s condolence visit to Benue State, following the killing of nearly 200 persons in Yelwata, a volatile border community.
He said while the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, raised concerns about land ownership and identity of Tiv people in Nasarawa, President Tinubu firmly restated that Nigerians are free to reside anywhere without fear of being labeled as non-indigenes.
Reacting to the Tor Tiv’s assertions, Governor Sule noted that Nasarawa-based traditional rulers had shared different accounts of the events and land ownership disputes. He acknowledged both sides’ sentiments while urging caution and understanding.
At the meeting, the Governor also addressed welfare matters affecting traditional rulers, including medical allowances, vehicles for third-class chiefs, and the proposal to build guest houses for them in Lafia. He pledged to immortalize the late Osu Ajiri as a mark of honor.
Governor Sule commended the royal fathers for their prayers and support, attributing Nasarawa’s growing appeal to investors and foreign diplomats to their stabilizing influence.
Earlier, the Emir of Lafia and Chairman of the Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs, HRH Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad III (rtd), conveyed a unanimous vote of confidence on Governor Sule, praising his visionary leadership.
“You have justified our confidence in you. Your actions show that we have in you a leader who understands, listens, and delivers,” the Emir said, while also calling for timely payment of monarchs’ entitlements and the establishment of support facilities for traditional institutions.
The peace efforts follow heightened tensions in Yelwata and its environs, where violence has claimed lives and displaced residents in recent months.