Following the renewed hostilities between Farmers and Herdsmen in Benue State, the Chairman of the Local Govt, Hon. (Barr.) Victor Okoh has charged members of Arewa Community in Ika South Local Government to ensure a peaceful co-existence between them and Ika South people.
He gave this charge on Monday, February 5th, 2018 during a courtesy call to his office by some members of Arewa Community in Agbor
Seizing the opportunity, Hon Okoh thanked them for the role they played in his emergence as the chairman, and he appealed to them to give the same massive support to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, come 2019 general elections. Hon. Okoh expressed his appreciation to the group, for the mutual relationship they have exhibited over the years.
Going further, Hon Okoh assured them of his maximum support and sought for their cooperation in moving the Local Government forward, charging them to maintain peace at all times. In his words, “we are confronted with the issue of herdsmen, I know you are not part of it, but by virtue of your various relationships with them, you have a closer relationship with them. As much as you can, interact with them and make them know that this is a peaceful Community, where we accommodate everyone and as such there is no need for war”.
Responding on behalf of the group, the group’s spokesperson assured Hon. Okoh that the vote of the entire Arewa community in Ika South belongs to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and the PDP.
Addressing the Herdsmen menace, he said they are doing their best to curtail it, stressing that, though Ika South L.G.A has one of the largest cow market in Delta State, Ika South remains the most peaceful and safest for people. He assured of continuous understanding between Ika People and the Hausa Community in the LGA.
In addition, they appealed to the Chairman to come to their aid in restoring electricity at the Uromi Junction axis, saying that they have been without electricity for over two years.
The group was led by the Sarki of Arewa Community, Agbor, Ibrahim Gali. Others who were in attendance include: Alhaji Ahmed, Isa Ali, Juwedu Iman, Sumaila Gali, Sule Gariba, Alhazi Uba, Dalami Bistira and Musa Babaillo.
Speaking to Ika Weekly Newspaper, the Sariki described the Chairman of the Council as “a humble and gentle man who listens to the people”, stating that his character traits necessitated the group’s decision to align with his government.
ANITA ALEH