LAGOS – Catholic Bishops in Benue have urged the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the incessant clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in parts of Benue.
In a communiqué issued on Wednesday in Makurdi at the end of their meeting, the bishops said that the conflicts had resulted in loss of lives and property and displacement of families from their ancestral lands.
The communiqué was signed by Bishop Athanasius Usuh of Makurdi, Bishop Michael Apochi of Otukpo, Bishop William Avenya of Gboko and Peter Adoboh of Katsina-Ala.
The communiqué said that Tiv, Idoma and Agatu farmers had been affected by the conflicts, which had also resulted in termination of farming, deterioration of health conditions and disruption of education and religious activities.
The bishops said the conflicts arose because the farmers decided to protect their farms against trespass by the Fulani herdsmen, who allowed their animals into farmlands to graze.
“We call on those who have stood on the fence while the crisis has been raging to take responsibility for peace and security.’’
The clerics appealed to all stakeholders to find lasting solution to the conflict and ensure security and peaceful coexistence of all the people in Benue. (NAN)
