Participants At Peace Summit Counsels Legitimate Herders To Respect Tradition, Cultural Values Of Indigenes

By Lateef Taiwo

Participants at a peace workshop in Benue State has resolved to ensure that all stakeholders work towards an enduring peace in various communities which is the only catalyst of community development.

Making a presentation on behalf of traditional rulers during the workshop organised by the Benue State Peace Commission on the topic curbing conflict and embracing peace building strategies for peaceful coexistence, Tor Kwande Chief Ambrose Iortyer, urged all stakeholders to support measures that would promote peace amongst the people.

He viewed herders/ farmers crisis as the greatest setback to farmers and reminded members of Miyetti Allah of Benue people’s desire to work with legitimate herders willing to respect the tradition and cultural practices of the people and called for proper profiling of animals coming into the country with issuance of certificate to the owners as mark of identification.

He reiterated the Council’s stands on adopting global standards in cattle rearing which is ranching while secretary of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association Mohammed Shettima called for sensitization of members on operational guidelines.

In her remarks on behalf of Board of directors of the peace commission, Prof Charity Angya emphasized the need for the massage of peace to be delivered in the land most especially that the transformation of Benue State is on course while a member of the Commission justice Adam Unum called for adequate funding of the commission for it to fulfill it’s mandate.

Also speaking Country Director International Alert Mr Chris Nyulaku and the Director General National Early Warning Centre Mr Chris Njokwu acknowledged the Benue governor Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia’s administration for establishing the commission in the state which is the third in the country as well as commended the federal government for it’s commitment towards advancing the cause of peace.

While the Director General Benue State Peace Commission Miss Jusphine Haba pledged to work with stakeholders to promote conflict sensitization through regular conversations for prevailing peace which often times affects people of the region.