The Irigwe nation of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State and the Fulani community have agreed to halt the raging violence between them which has cost hundreds of lives, crops, cattle and other properties in recent times.
The clash between the Irigwe and Fulani had several times taken broader dimension and in the process added to the worsening security situation in the state.
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However, most peace initiatives to bring the crisis under control have not yet yielded the desired result as killings continue unabated between the two sides.
But at a consultative meeting of key religious and ethnic/community leaders in the state, the representatives of the Irigwe and the Fulani agreed to halt all hostilities henceforth.
The meeting, which was held at the Dialogue, Reconciliation and Peace (DREP) Centre in Jos, the state capital, also witnessed the representatives of Irigwe, Chief Daniel Geh, who represented the Irigwe Paramount ruler, Rev Ronku Aka, and the Plateau State chapter of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Muhammad Nuru.
Chief Geh said they desire to leave in peace with anyone in their communities because crises would not benefit anyone.
He said they had been living peacefully with the Fulani from time immemorial, and that they would endeavour to guard against anything that would cause disintegration.
Nuru said the settlement of their differences at the meeting was laudable, and that they would pass the message to their wards.
According to him, both parties have decided to embrace themselves in love and end violence.
They also condemned the killings of innocent people in their homes, blocking of roads and killing of innocent travellers.
Meanwhile, Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong said he was working on improving security and transportation for staff and students of the University of Jos, in the state capital.
Lalong stated this in Jos when he met the Pro-Chancellor of the university and the Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Attahiru Jega, who was on a courtesy visit to the Government House.
The university lost some students to the recent attacks in Jos.
Lalong said the students required improved security to succeed in their academic activities.
“We need continuous support and improvement to ensure peace, stability and security within the university and environs for its growth and development,” he said.
He explained that strategies have already been put in place to improve security in routes leading to the university and other parts of the state.
He added that efforts were on to provide chartered buses for students, while commercial vehicles would be highly-screened for registration to operate within the school.
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