In a display of emotion and political will, Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, on Monday, met face-to-face with the warring Afo and Fulani communities at the heart of the state’s latest security crisis, issuing a desperate plea for peace while vowing an iron-fisted response to those fueling the bloodshed.
The meeting, held at Mararaba Udege, Nasarawa Local Government, came just few days after a series of deadly clashes left over a dozen homes razed and scores displaced but now everything become history as people resettle home.
“I did not come here to give speeches. I came to mourn with you,” Governor Sule said, his voice trembling as he surveyed the scarred landscape of a once-thriving community. “As your father and governor, my heart is broken. What turned brothers into enemies? Enough is enough.”
The Governor openly expressed deep sorrow over the “tragic and unfortunate crisis,” acknowledging that the state had failed to predict the sudden eruption of violence in an area long celebrated for its relative peace. He drew a sharp line between criminality and community grievances, warning that “bandits hiding behind ethnic cloaks” would not dictate the state’s future.
The traditional rulers from the Afo side and Fulani communities (leaders), jointly declared before the governor to a unilateral ceasefire and embrace peace.
Former Governor and National Chairman of the APC Dist. Sen. Abdullahi Adamu urges the communities to return to the “old ways of shared grazing routes, shared markets, and shared sorrows.” He reminded them that for decades, Mararaba Udege was a shining example of harmony, where farmers and herders raised families side by side.
“You were peaceful before. You will be peaceful again,” the Governor assured. “But peace without justice is a lie. We will rebuild your homes, but you must rebuild your trust in each other.” Gov. Sule said.
As dusk fell, the Governor personally handed over relief materials and cash worth 10 millions naira to them through the Local Government chairman and their Administrator, instructing them to “eat from the same bowl tonight.”
For the people of Mararaba Udege, they are daring to hope. As one elderly Afo farmer whispered to our reporter, “If the Governor can cry for us, maybe we can stop crying for ourselves.”
