The Catholic Bishop of Katsina-Ala Diocese, Most Rev. Isaac Bundepuun Dugu, earlier today, convened a crucial peace and security meeting with the Sankera Traditional Council, led by His Royal Highness, Chief Jimmy Homa-lgba Meeme at the Saint Gerard Majella Cathedral, Katsina-Ala.

This significant gathering was organized at the instance of the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia as part of concerted efforts to restore peace in the Sankera intermediate area.

In his opening remarks, Bishop Dugu emphasized the importance of engaging directly with the aggrieved youths to better comprehend their agitations and provide support for peace and improved living conditions.

Furthermore, He stressed the need for collaboration between traditional institutions and churches and the political class so as to elect credible leaders rather than party loyalists. He stressed that this would prevent crisis and also foster an environment conducive to lasting peace.

Most Rev. Isaac Dugu also urged the Traditional Rulers not to remain silent when political appointments are zoned wrongly since their silence could mean complacency. He further cautioned that this also applies to appointment of Traditional Rulers in Sankera

The Bishop mandated the Acting Ter-Katsina-Ala, Chief Bernard Ornguga Ayolave to collaborate with the District Head of Mbayongo in Katsina-Ala LGA, His Royal Highness Zaki John to reconvene another townhall meeting primarily to deepen discussions with the remaining armed groups and to determine their disposition especially that of “Konyo” of Mbayongo towards the peace project and report back within one week. This would enable Bishop Dugu to brief Governor Hyacinth Alia on the next line of action.

Bishop Jezreel Vande of the Anglican Communion commended the boldness of youths who have opted to embrace peace in Sankera. He tasked them to take the message of peace to their superiors, while calling on concerned authorities to ban all illegal taxes in Sankera markets and roads. The Acting Ter-Katsina-Ala, Zaki Bernard Ornguga Ayolave, speaking on behalf of the Katsina-Ala Traditional Council, praised the current peace experienced in the land but lamented the illegal taxes by unauthorized groups in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.

His Royal Highness, Chief Orkaa Kaave, representing Ukum the traditional institution, commended “Full-Fire” and “Chen” in Ukum LGA for their readiness to embrace peace. He appealed to politicians and other stakeholders to stop intimidating traditional rulers, but rather cooperate with them to permanently restore peace.

Major General John Terwase Gbor, Major General John Seyina Malu, Air Commodore Jack Gbamwuan and Professor Timothy Terseer Alabar of Benue State University Makurdi, among others, commended the sincerity of the ongoing peace project aimed at finding lasting solutions to security challenges in Sankera.

Earlier, a representative of “Anyôgô” of Mbajiir district in Katsina-Ala LGA expressed genuine agreement to embrace peace and to pave way for development. He however, decried the activities of the machete-carrying groups (mbaasomough), stating that curtailing their excesses would restore genuine peace.

Terhemen Mzaga (Full-Fire) and Adom George (Orshoja-u-Chen) pledged to work towards peace. His Royal Highness, the Acting Tor Sankera, thanked all those involved in the peace initiatives and appealed for contributions to permanently restore peace.

The Catholic Diocese of Katsina-Ala, in line with her Diocesan Vision on Peace and Reconciliation, remains steadfast in its pursuit of peace in the geographical jurisdiction of Katsina-Ala Diocese.

As we rely on Jesus’ mercy and grace, May God reign peace in our land. Amen.