Oju crisis: Benue govt to set up commission of enquiry
….says perpetrators l’ll be brought to book
By Sunday Iduh
Benue State government is to set up a judicial commission of enquiry to ascertain the immediate and remote cause of the crisis that broke out between Ibilla and Oju communities in Oju Local Government Area of the state on Sunday.
The Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Sam Ode disclosed this Monday when he paid an on the spot assessment visit to the area.
Dr Ode who said the crisis was uncalled for, frowned at the level of destruction.The Deputy Governor sympathized with the entire Igede nation over the unfortunate incident.
“I am extremely sad that this is happening in Igede land. It should not have been. Crisis does no one good. The Igede nation is known for being industrious.
“The destruction is reprehensible. What we have seen here is unacceptable. That a community will be divided among themselves, killing and maiming? It is quite unfortunate.
“Government will leave no stone unturned to get the perpetrators of this dastardly act punished for what they have done
“A judicial commission of enquiry will be set up to determine the remote and immediate cause of the crisis and punish perpetrators where necessary to serve as deterrent to others”, he added.
In a remark, Adirahu Ny’Igede, Oga Eru thanked the governor and his deputy for the prompt response. He disclosed that he was more pained that the crisis was happening in his dormain.
Eru who said he was in full support of the establishment of judicial commission of enquiry, revealed that boundaries have always been the challenge over the years and stated that the perpetrators must be brought to book as that would serve as deterrent.
He explained that the latest crisis erupted due to dispute over a parcel of land where a University of Applied Sciences that was attracted to the area by an Australian based professor, Johnson Agbenya was to be sited.
Professor Agbenya in an emotion laden voice wondered why Igede people should take arms against each other over issues that could have been resolved amicably. He noted that the crisis was unnecessary, stating that the life of the people can not be substituted for a University.
On his part, Professor Ode Ojowu expressed appreciation to the Benue State Government for the prompt response. He said there was no need for the crisis as the grand breaking ceremony of the university which was scheduled for June 10, 2023 was suspended due to the misunderstanding.
He emphasized the need for the spirit of consensus and compromise for development to thrive. “The communities must agree to concede for the development of Igede nation”
He stressed that the university must be established and called for the arrest of the perpetrators first and foremost before any further actions can be taken.
According to unconfirmed report, two persons died as a result of the crisis while several persons sustained various degrees of injuries.
The Deputy Governor also visited the Divional Police Station in Oju where he addressed some of the displaced persons taking refuge there
