WELCOME TO KTNBIO

Following the prolonged crisis between the Bassa Kwomu and Egbira Mozum communities, the Standing Committee on Security and Vigilante in the Kogi State House of Assembly has called for peace between the warring parties in Bassa Local Government Area.

The conflict, which has lasted for over seven years, has led to the loss of hundreds of lives and the destruction of property worth billions of naira.

Addressing the aggrieved parties in Oguma, the headquarters of Bassa Local Government Area, the Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Security and Vigilante, Hon. Major Enefola, stressed that peace is essential for sustainable development in any nation.

He described the crisis as disastrous and unnecessary, lamenting its devastating impact on the affected communities.

Enefola, who also represents Igalamela Odolu State Constituency, stated that their visit aimed to obtain first-hand information on the crisis and chart a path towards resolution.

He appealed to both parties to eschew bitterness and hatred, warning against the stockpiling of arms and ammunition. He emphasised that anyone caught engaging in such illegal activities would face the full wrath of the law.

“Stockpiling of arms and ammunition must end today. We must see our neighbours as brothers and friends so that lasting peace can return to this local government,” he declared.

“Anyone who is not a security personnel has no right to possess arms and ammunition. Doing so is an offence against the law. The entire people of Bassa Local Government must unite to rebuild their communities and restore peace.”

He also assured that Biroko, Ozugbe, Bieze, Daku, and Domozu communities, whose residents were displaced due to the crisis, would be resettled swiftly by the current assembly.

In his remarks, Hon. Idrees Maikudi Aliyu, the member representing Kogi Karfe State Constituency, stressed the need for peace to return to the area to foster meaningful development.

“The persistent killings and conflicts in Bassa Local Government have hindered progress. It is time we all speak with one voice, put our differences aside, and promote peace, regardless of our backgrounds,” he urged.

Similarly, Hon. Usman Ochidi Shehu, representing Dekina Biraidu State Constituency, described the prolonged crisis as unfortunate, noting that Bassa remains the food basket of Kogi East.

He vowed that the assembly would do everything possible to bring an end to the hostilities.

“We will leave no stone unturned in resolving this crisis that has brought pain to our brothers and sisters,” he assured.

“The current Eighth Assembly will present a strong report to the Governor of Kogi State, ensuring that peace returns to Bassa Local Government. Under the leadership of Governor Usman Ododo, history will record that lasting peace was finally restored to our state.”

Expressing his displeasure over the crisis, Hon. Abu Onoru-Oiza, representing Ajaokuta State Constituency, warned that the assembly would not tolerate any monarch inciting conflict for personal gain.

“As a legislator in this state, I will not hesitate to move a motion calling on the State Government to dethrone any monarch who sabotages the peace of our communities. Enough is enough—this cycle of killings and destruction must end.”

He lamented that Bassa Local Government, rich in natural resources, had yet to harness its full potential due to persistent conflict.

“What these warring factions are fighting over is merely 0.5% of what they already possess in the local government,” he noted.

The peace deal was attended by youths, traditional rulers, stakeholders, and various security agencies in the state.

The Kogi State House of Assembly Committee on Security and Vigilante is expected to submit its report to Governor Ododo, with recommendations on preventing future conflicts between the Bassa Kwomu and Egbira Mozum communities in Bassa Local Government Area.