Ja’agi community land dispute: Niger governor urges warring factions to sheath swords

Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has intervened in the land dispute rocking Ja’agi community of Kede Ward, Mokwa Local Government Area to bring to an end the lingering crisis in the area.

It would be recalled that the renewed crisis that erupted last week Tuesday and again on Thursday left many injured, with scores of houses burnt and other properties destroyed in the area.

During the meeting at the instance of the governor at the Government House Minna, representatives of the two warring sides of Ja’agi Tiffin and Ja’agi Tako communities of Kede Ward were warned to settle the issue amicably and ensure unity and peace if the area.

Bello thereafter directed Deputy Governor Ahmed Mohammed Ketso to constitute a committee to assess the level of destruction of properties during the crisis in order to support the victims.

Resolutions reached at the meeting include the assessment of destroyed properties for compensation, withdrawal of all court cases and petitions, and amity between the representatives of the groups to ensure peace and tranquillity in the community.

It was also resolved that the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, should immediately appoint a new village head for Ja’agi, that the highland belongs to the community, while the lowland belongs to families and households and that failure of the community to adhere to the resolutions will lead to state government taking over the land.

Responding, the deputy governor, Ketso who hails from Mokwa LGA, commended the governor for his timely intervention while appealing to the people to eschew bitterness and embrace peace.

The deputy governor explained that he has made several interventions in the past to resolve the dispute, but to no avail contrary to the allegation in media reports that he has done nothing to settle the matter over the year.

Ketso stated: “We are urging the two warring factions to sheath their swords for the purpose of peace, unity and progress of the people and the entire community.”

Representatives of the factions all signed the resolutions while thanking Governor Abubakar Sani Bello and his deputy, Ahmed Mohammed Ketso, for the intervention to make sure peace is restored to their community.