In
a step widely applauded as exemplary, the warring Fulani and Mwaghavul
communities in Mangu, Plateau, have reconciled their differences and
contributed food items for victims of the recent violence in the state.
The violence broke out between the two communities in January, leading to loss of lives as well as destruction of properties.
Those displaced were being accommodated in Internally Displaced Persons camps.
Disturbed by the development, the Plateau chapter of the National
Orientation Agency initiated a meeting between the warring groups where
they resolved their differences.
The groups, after forgiving each other, went ahead to raise some
funds to purchase grains for distribution to the affected families.
At a ceremony to distribute the food items in Mangu on Monday, Bulus
Dabit, the NOA Director in Plateau, commended the communities for the
novel step, describing it as “very exemplary and encouraging”.
“First, the warring communities agreed to a cease fire, then
initiated steps toward reconciliation and forgiveness and even resolved
to tax themselves to provide succour to victims of the violence. It is a
massive show of affection that should be emulated by all warring
communities in Nigeria”, he said.
Mr. Dabit particularly lauded the Mwaghavul and Fulani communities
for taking to the path of peace. He said generations yet unborn would
recognise such an initiative as a noble one.
He said that the NOA, in assisting the communities to reach out to
each other, was guided by the need for peace as a crucial key to
prosperity, growth and progress.
“Peace is possible; the pain of one is the pain of all. We must all
be each other’s keeper and strive to end violent conflicts”, he said.
He also cautioned against rumour mongering and other vices that could affect the people’s desire to live in peace.
Also speaking, John Hirse, the District Head of Mangu, described the
violence as “unfortunate”, especially since members of the two
communities had lived together peacefully for ages.
Mr. Hirse, who prayed against a recurrence, thanked NOA for initiating the steps that would ensure lasting peace.
He also commended the two communities for resolving to settle their
differences amicably and also for bringing relief material to the
victims.
In his remarks, Yusuf Ahmadu, the Chairman, Miyetti Allah Cattle
Rearers Association in Mangu, thanked both communities for embracing
peace and taking steps to address areas of disagreement.
Mr. Ahmadu warned youths from both communities against taking the
laws into their hands over any disagreement, stressing the need to
report any grievances to the authorities for quick intervention.
Also speaking, a community leader, Moses Datu, thanked the people for
opting for peace, noting that such an approach was the best.
More than 200 bags of maize were shared to the IDPs at the occasion.
