9th September, 2014
The Benue House of Assembly on Tuesday advised Governor Gabriel Suswam to set up a judicial panel of enquiry to investigate the incessant crises between Utange and Mbaakura communities.
NAN reports that Utange is a district in Ushongo Local Government Area while Mbaakura is another in Buruku council.
The House gave the advice after passing a motion co-sponsored by Mr Terkimbi Ikyange and Mrs Ngunan Addingi, who represents Ushongo and Buruku state constituencies respectively.
The motion was seconded by Mr Benjamin Nungwa, representing Kwande constituency, stating that it was apt and timely.
In a lead debate, Ikyange said that there had been incessant crises between the two communities over time, especially during farming seasons.
He disclosed that crisis was still looming between the two communities, adding that tension had heightened as the season was still in progress.
“If the tension is not doused, it will explode to a communal war which will lead to further loss of lives and property,” he said.
The Speaker, Mr Terhile Ayua, called on the chairmen of the councils to wade into the crises to bring lasting solutions to the communities.
Ayua also directed traditional rulers of both communities to join forces with the chairmen in order to prevent any further crisis between the communities.
He urged them to report the progress of their efforts in curtailing the crisis to the house within one month for further action.