After years of devastating communal bloodbath with heavy casualties on both sides, the Fulanis and Beroms in Plateau north say they have forgiven each other and resolved to co-exist peacefully.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the usually guerilla-fashioned violence had been characterised by deadly midnight attacks, killing of farmers and herdsmen on the fields, destruction of farmlands, as well as the killing and rustling of cows.
Thousands were reportedly killed in the bloodbath that persisted, in spite of heavy military presence, the declaration of state of emergency in the affected areas, as well as military-organised peace and security meetings.
The Special Task Force (STF), maintaining peace in Plateau had also initiated various measures including medical outreaches, sports competitions and other social fora to promote togetherness and foster peace, but to no avail.
NAN reports that the peace resolution in the early hours of Sunday (May 5) in Jos, followed series of meetings during which leaders from both sides voiced out their grievances, resolved their differences and agreed to bury whatever hatchet.
The peace talks, uniquely initiated by the warring communities and supervised by Sen. Gyang Pwajok (PDP, Plateau North), witnessed frank discussions, revelations and ended with a resolve for peace after both sides decried the devastating effects of the violence and opted to return to the past when they communed peacefully.
Pwajok, while setting the tone for the final talks, had described the session as ``unique’’ as it was the first time both sides called out each other on their own volition, without being forced to do so by security forces.
``We resolved to hold this session so that we can listen and understand each other because the STF and the police have failed in enforcing peace on us; clearly, it is only we that can agree to live in peace,’’ he said.
Pwajok pointed out that the STF was equally frustrated over the persistence of the violence, and advised the people to fish out from among themselves, the individuals responsible for the crises.
``There are complaints about the killing and theft of cows. There are complaints about the destruction of farmlands and killing of farmers. It is not communities that commit these atrocities. It is individuals. We must identify such individuals and expose them.
``Again, we cannot kill because a cow has been stolen. We cannot take up arms because a farm has been destroyed. We must resolve here to place a high premium on human life and good neighbourliness.’’
Pwajok called for concessions from both groups, and pointed out that there will always be farming and grazing ``whether we like or not’’.
Alhaji Haruna Boro, Chairman, Miyetti-Allah Cattle Breeders Association, who led the Fulani team, urged both communities to forgive each other ``from the bottom of our hearts’’, and declared that his community had forgiven all and was prepared for peace.
``We have resolved to forgive and forge ahead. The only thing that remains is to take the message to the rural dwellers so that they can equally key into the new resolve.
``We have resolved to forgive and forge ahead. The only thing that remains is to take the message to the rural dwellers so that they can equally key into the new resolve.
``We want the Beroms to demonstrate equal forgiving spirit by allowing our grazing cows to move peacefully because we have resolved never to attack anyone any longer.’’
Rev. Dauda Choji, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Riyom, who also declared that the Beroms had forgiven the Fulanis, emphasised the need for mutual respect among the communities and advised all groups to take that message home.
He advised the Fulanis to keep faith with the new resolve and cautioned against provocative statements, especially the reference to the Beroms as infidels.
[Leadership]
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