Nasarawa: Egbura Youths oppose governor Sule’s decision to return Bassa community to Toto

The Ayikwu Egbura Onobihun Association, representing the Egbura youth in Toto Local Government Area, LGA of Nasarawa State, has appealed to Governor Abdullahi Sule to reconsider his decision to facilitate the return of the Bassa ethnic group to their ancestral lands in Toto.

At a press conference on Sunday, the association’s president, Suleiman Musa, represented by his vice, Prince Hamisu Omaki, expressed concerns over the potential for renewed violence between the Egbura and Bassa communities, who have a long history of communal clashes.

The Egbura youth warned that the return of the Bassa community without addressing the root causes of the conflict could destabilize the area.

“Rushing the return of the Bassa community to Toto LGA without addressing unresolved disputes and ensuring the safety of all parties involved is a reckless move that could reignite the flames of conflict,” said Omaki.

The association accused Bassa militias of numerous attacks on Egbura communities, resulting in casualties, including the deaths of district heads in villages like Okatakpa, Aggeh, Ohege, Okuwa, and Ogya.

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Omaki urged the governor to focus on addressing underlying issues fueling the crisis, such as land disputes, resource allocation, and socio-political marginalization.

He called for an inclusive peace-building process involving community leaders, traditional rulers, and youth representatives.

“Sustainable peace can only be achieved through justice, equity, and inclusive governance that addresses the legitimate grievances of all parties involved,” he said.

The group also stated the importance of dialogue, justice, and human rights in conflict resolution, pledging their readiness to engage constructively with stakeholders to achieve lasting peace in Toto LGA.

The governor’s plan to return to the Bassa community is seen as part of broader reconciliation efforts in the state.

However, it has sparked mixed reactions, with some viewing it as necessary for restoring displaced communities and others, like the Egbura youth, fearing it could reignite hostilities.

The association thanked members of the state government for their efforts to resolve the crisis but maintained that the safety and stability of Toto LGA must take precedence.