C\’RIVER ASSEMBLY CALLS ON GOVT. TO DEPLOY SECURITY AGENCIES TO YALA, APPREHEND PERPETRATORS OF CRISIS
The State Assembly has in a resolution called on the State government to urgently deploy relevant Security Agencies to restore peace in Ochongor-Ijiegu in Yache clan of Yala Local Government Area where crisis between the indigenes and people of Tiv in Benue State has left one dead and several injured.
The Assembly also wants the government to ensure that the perpetrators of the crisis be apprehended and prosecuted.
These resolutions were taken following a matter of Urgent Public Importance brought before the House by the Member representing Yala 1 state constituency, Hon Odey Brian Wonah.
According to Hon Wonah, some Tiv people from Benue state who had always rented land from Ochongor, Ijiegu for farming. He added that the Tiv people used to pay royalty for the land but that this year, they neither obtained permission nor paid any royalty but rather took over the place.
The Lawmaker continued that when the landlords sent a delegation to inquire why the Tiv people did not obtain the required permission, they were attacked resulting in the death of one person and injury to several others.
Wonah further lamented that the Yala people are now afraid to go to their farms for fear of being attacked. He reiterated that the Yala people are predominantly farmers and if they do not plant their crops they will be thrown into hunger and starvation next year.
In their various contributions, the Lawmakers unanimously condemned the crisis and reiterated the need for immediate solution to prevent further loss of lives. Members also stressed that Yala is one of the LGAs that produces food in the state adding that if nothing is done it will lead to food shortage.
On his part, the Speaker, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem strongly condemned the crisis and urged the State Government to urgently intervene to prevent more casualties.