From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Udege, a historic settlement in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, is known for its vibrant culture, industrious people, and fertile land.
Historically inhabited by the Afo ethnic group, the community has thrived on agriculture and trade, earning a reputation for resilience and unity.
However, in recent years, tensions fueled by land disputes and political divisions have threatened the fabric of this once-peaceful society.
The most recent communal clash, reportedly ignited by a land dispute, has brought devastation to the community, with seven lives lost and properties worth millions of naira destroyed. The violence has left families displaced, farmlands abandoned, and an air of mistrust lingering among neighbours.
In the wake of the conflict, the Nasarawa Peace and Prosperity Project (NAPP-LAW) convened a high-level summit aimed at restoring peace and unity in Udege.
Led by Professor Abdulkarim Abubakar Kana, the former Attorney General of Nasarawa State and current National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the gathering brought together key stakeholders, including Governor Abdullahi Sule, former Governor Abdullahi Adamu, and other prominent leaders.
Held in Keffi, the summit highlights the urgency of addressing the escalating crisis. Governor Sule, emphasizing the importance of unity, remarked, “We must come together as a community to resolve our differences peacefully and rebuild trust among ourselves.”
The summit’s timing was crucial. With tensions running high and the potential for further violence looming, immediate intervention was necessary to prevent additional loss of life and property.
Governor Sule emphasized the importance of unity, stating, “We must come together as a community to resolve our differences peacefully and rebuild trust among ourselves.”
He called on the Afo Nation to embrace peace and unity as it is a critical step toward unlocking the region’s development potential while highlighting the devastating impact of communal unrest on progress and warned that his administration would not hesitate to enforce stricter measures if reconciliation efforts fail.
Sule emphasized the blessings of natural resources in Afo communities, including lithium and other rare minerals, and the need for peace to harness these opportunities.
“You are blessed with resources. Everywhere, people are talking about processing lithium. Yet, it is embarrassing to the nation that two brothers who have coexisted peacefully are now fighting, killing innocent people among them. You cannot allow political differences to make you disrespect your leaders,” Governor Sule said.
He described the violence in Afo land as detrimental to both the community and the state’s development, stressing that peace is a prerequisite for attracting serious investors.
“No investor would venture into an area where there is no peace. Nasarawa State will do everything within its means to support peace.
“As long as there is peace, opportunities will arise. For instance, one of the companies coming to Afo land, Gangfeng, can employ 4,000 to 5,000 people. But that cannot happen in the absence of peace,” he stated.
Professor Kana, a respected legal scholar and community leader, highlighted the need for forgiveness and reconciliation. “Our community has been through a lot,” he remarked.
“It’s time to forgive past grievances and work collectively towards a peaceful future.”
In addition to immediate peacekeeping measures, long-term strategies were discussed. These include economic development programs aimed at alleviating poverty, which is often a root cause of communal strife.
“Economic empowerment can bridge divides,” noted Professor Kana. “When people have hope for a better future, they’re less likely to engage in violence.”
Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau lamented how misunderstanding in Apawu community of the area among other Afo communities claimed lives recently and said the situation is uncalled for.
“I want to appreciate this association for organizing the cultural day and for promoting peace and unity among Afo and other people.
“My appeal to you is that let’s continue to live in peace with one another and let’s also have forgiving spirits at all times.
“Let’s create room in our hearts to forgive one another as it was unfortunate that misunderstanding in Apawu community led to the death of two people recently,” he said.
Jatau appreciated Afo nation and other people of his constituency for supporting him to become a member of the House.
“It is your support and the support of other people that today God has made it possible for me to be the Speaker of the House. I appreciate you all” he said.
When our correspondent visited the waring communities observed that the implications of the conflict were far-reaching. Beyond the immediate loss of life and property, such clashes disrupt economic activities, displace families, and sow seeds of mistrust that can linger for generations.
Community members expressed a deep yearning for peace and Amina Musa, a resident of Udege, shared her ordeal: “We live in fear every day. Our children can’t go to school, and our farms are abandoned. We just want peace.”
The Executive Director of the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA), Zachary Zamani Alumaga, noted, “The humanitarian impact is severe. Many are homeless, and livelihoods have been destroyed.”
Alumaga said at least seven people have been confirmed dead following the violent communal clash between two tribes of the Afoh nation in Udege, Nasarawa Local adding that the conflict has also resulted in significant damage to properties and farmland.
Delivering a paper presentation on why the warring tribes must embrace peace, Alumaga stated: “What is happening among the warring tribes in Afoh land is unnecessary.
“The damage caused is far greater than the reasons behind the conflict. We appeal to them to stop the violence and embrace peace. Violence does not bring good, but peace does.”
Alumaga further urged the warring tribes to end hostilities and live in harmony. He warned that the toll of the conflict had reached a level that should not have been allowed to escalate.
The involvement of high-profile political figures explains the state’s commitment to resolving the crisis.
Former Governor Abdullahi Adamu urged all parties to embrace dialogue, stating, “Violence only begets more violence. We must find common ground and move forward together.”
The former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress APC Senator Adamu who spoke as the Father of the Day, and the Adeweji of Afo Nation, attributed the crisis to some Afo elites’ refusal to engage in peace efforts.
“There are people in this community who have had the privilege of serving but have not joined the peace-building efforts. If we fail, the shame is ours. We must avoid being our greatest enemies,” he said.
Adamu challenged the youths to take ownership of Afo land’s development and ensure the crisis does not persist into the next administration.
The summit also addressed the role of misinformation in escalating conflicts. Participants called for responsible journalism and urged citizens to verify information before reacting.
“False rumours can ignite tensions,” warned Aliyu Bello, State Chairman of the APC. “We must be cautious and seek the truth.”
In his keynote address, Ahmed Salihu, Executive Director of the Centre for Community Actions for Peace and Development (CCAPAD), said the summit aimed to unite the Afo Nation to discuss their challenges and propose practical solutions.
Rtd. Commodore Yahaya Owuna, Waziri of Afo Nation, attributed the unrest to the erosion of traditional values, political differences among elites, and unemployment.
Stakeholders at the summit unanimously agreed on the necessity of disarming ethnic militia groups and enforcing the law to deter future conflicts.
A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting reads, “The government should implement all whitepapers on previous reports of communal violence to serve as a deterrent.”
With its rich history and potential, Udege’s journey to recovery hinges on unity and sustained dialogue. The summit’s timely intervention serves as a beacon of hope, reminding all that lasting peace is achievable through mutual respect and shared commitment.