The Nigerian government has been advised to take the traditional institutions seriously in tackling communal disputes
A Federal lawmaker, Rep. Beni Lar, made the call while explaining her motion on the urgent need for intervention in “The Communal Clash between Lyangit and Kumbwang Communities of Langtang North Local government of Plateau state.
She said that in the last two weeks there have been back and forth clashes between two communities in the state which has led to the loss of lives.
She said that inter-ethnic rivalry and disputes get out of hand and leave the traditional institutions powerless.
“The traditional institutions are not empowered the way they should be able to resolve these issues. The traditional institutions across the nation need to be empowered through constitutional amendment”. Lar said.
She noted that Nigeria needs a mechanism to intervene in Communal clashes across the nation.
She said that as an advocate for peace and conflict resolution, there is the need for the House Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs to liaise with relevant agencies to intervene in the clashes to forestall the breakdown of order in the area.
“Government needs an agency that would be responsible for resolving all inter-ethnic communal issues before they result in clashes”. She said.
She said that the national assembly should recommend an agency to enhance the mandate of already existing agencies.
The lawmaker added that land clashes also catch women and children unawares.
Olusola Akintonde
