Benue State Monarchs Seek Negotiation to End Farmer/Herder Crisis

The Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers has said dialogue and negotiation can tackle the lingering crises between farmers and herders in the state, urging the government to fast-track the establishment of the Benue Peace Commission.

This was contained in a communique signed by the Tor Tiv in Benue, Professor James Ayatse; Och’Idoma and Paramount Ruler of Idoma, Dr Elaigwu John and 13 others, at the end of a three-day training exercise on mediation and negotiation, organized by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue and made available to journalists in Abuja on Monday.

The monarchs noted that the bill for the establishment of the Benue Peace Commission has been put before the Benue State House of Assembly seeking for adoption, stressing that negotiation was important in de-escalating violence among feuding parties in the state.

The communique read, “Having gained the in-depth skills on mediation and negotiation, the Benue State Traditional Council and the trained traditional rulers now commit to; Cascade the skills gained to other colleagues towards de-escalation of violence and litigations in our jurisdictions and report back within a reasonable period of time.”

“Constitute an all-inclusive Traditional Council Mediation and Negotiation Committee that can be mobilized to any area of Benue State to be charged with quick response to conflict threats in line with the strategies acquired from this training, through government support and intervention.”

“Advise the Benue State Government to fast-track the adoption of the bill for the establishment of the Benue Peace Commission, which is before the Benue State House of Assembly and improve coordination, especially in the area of information and knowledge sharing.”

It was gathered that the participants, who were drawn from the three senatorial districts, comprised the First and Second Class Chiefs.

Agro Nigeria