Catholic Bishop of Katsina-Ala facilitates peace meeting with bandits
As some were celebrating Nigeria’s 64 Independence day on 1st October, 2024 others were in the bush trying to see if bandits in Shitile may lay down arms for peace to reign.
At the instance of the Catholic Bishop of Katsina-Ala Most Rev Isaac Bundepuun Dugu, volunteers were in Gbise, the home town of Gana and now Konyo. The meeting was slated to be held at the village square but due to bad weather, the venue was moved to Igudu, a village 5 kilometres away from Gbise.
All the traditional rulers from this side of Upper Shitile (located in Katsina Ala LGA) were there. They were: Tyoor Utume of Utange council ward, Togo – Yooyo council ward, Udorough – Michihe council ward, Kugi-Mbayongo and Ortar Yina in the representative capacity of Mbacher council ward. All the Mbatarev (kindred heads) were there.
The meeting that was supposed to start by 10am started by 4:30pm after a long wait and foot dragging. At the end they appeared, but Konyo was not present himself but sent his second in command by name Babayoko with his cohorts, among them were Terna Ahile, Gyemu Gyudu, Yellow Benue and others.
The traditional rules talked to them about the importance of peace in Shitile land and the good intentions of the present government for them. How the Governor of Benue State (Hyacinth Iormem Alia) is curious to see them back home and willing to assist them in every way possible.
After that I gave them the message of love from the Bishop and how ready and willing the Bishop is to assist them spiritually and also working together with the Governor to see that their human dignity is restored and their freedom guaranteed.
In their response, they thanked the people for coming and that there were sorry for delaying the meeting due to unforeseen issues. They bluntly blamed the traditional rulers for abandoning them during their trying moments when their leader was killed. They said that, they do not blame anyone for his death, that they believe it was God’s time.
They expressed their fear of coming out sighting the first incident and stressed that it will be very difficult for them to come out with the present security apparatus in Sankera, they said once beaten twice shy.
They promised that they are open to embrace peace if it is going to be a genuine process. They promised that there will be total peace in Shitile land.
The bandits were assured of the efforts of the government and the prayers of the Church.
