The Nasarawa State Government has established a more robust and proactive framework to respond swiftly to early warnings of communal crises and boundary disputes across the state.
Commissioner and Chief Executive of the State Boundary Commission, Alhaji Abdullahi Ladan Adokwe, made this known during a fact-finding and reconciliation meeting with community leaders in Wamba Local Government Area.
Recently, tensions have heightened between border communities of Wamba and Mama Chiefdoms over the ownership of a mineral-rich river located between the two areas.
To prevent escalation, the state government has constituted a 12-man reconciliation committee, comprising six community and religious leaders from each side to resolve the dispute over the mining pond known as Rafin Tabo.
Adokwe expressed concern that communities that have coexisted peacefully for decades could suddenly turn against one another, instead of embracing dialogue and understanding.
He urged the leaders to support reconciliation efforts, noting that the prolonged disagreement has already disrupted economic activities in the area.
Spokespersons for both communities, Mr. Sale Sani and Pastor Paul Makpa, assured the committee of their cooperation and readiness to support any initiative that would guarantee lasting peace.
Chairman of Wamba Local Government Area, Mr. Ezekiel Jagga, commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for his prompt intervention aimed at restoring calm in the affected communities.
Meanwhile, the state government has ordered the suspension of mining operations at the disputed Rafin Tabo site as part of proactive measures to avert further clashes. (Radio Nigeria)