By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to resettling displaced persons and restoring ancestral lands affected by violent conflicts.
Speaking at the 2024 annual conference of the Conference of Autochthonous Ethnic Communities Development Association (CONAECDA) in Jos, the governor, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Middle Belt Nationalities, Hon. Dan Kwada, emphasized the shared responsibility of rebuilding displaced communities.
“We must work together to ensure the return and restoration of our displaced communities as our shared responsibility to rebuild and secure their future,” he stated.
He outlined specific measures taken by the administration, including deploying agricultural equipment to boost livelihoods, forming committees to oversee resettlement processes, and initiating programs to rebuild affected communities.
Hon Dan Kwada also emphasized the need for unity among Middle Belt communities, stating that collaboration is essential to protecting ancestral lands and fostering sustainable peace.
“Restoring our communities is not just about rebuilding structures; it’s about strengthening our collective resolve to protect our heritage and create a secure environment for future generations,” he remarked.
With the theme “Returning, Resettling, and Rehabilitating Displaced Communities,” the conference brought stakeholders together to deliberate on solutions to displacement and insecurity.
Dr. Zuwaghu Bonat, the National Coordinator of CONAECDA, stressed the urgency of restoring displaced persons to their ancestral homes, noting that the theme was intentional. “We understand the urgency of restoring our people to their homes, regardless of religious or traditional affiliations,” he said.
Dr. Bonat further explained the careful use of terms to distinguish between groups, noting, “When I use terms like Fulani terrorist militia, it is deliberate to differentiate terrorists from ordinary Fulani people, many of whom are peaceful.”
Condemning atrocities committed by extremist groups, he said that acts such as slaughtering women, cutting open pregnant mothers, and killing children demonstrate a profound disregard for humanity and God.
Similarly, Acting President of CONAECDA, Chief Joseph Gwankat, echoed the call for concerted efforts to rebuild ancestral lands and foster grassroots resistance to displacement. “This conference is a platform to strategize on rebuilding and securing our homes,” he remarked.
In her goodwill message, Former Minister of Water Resources Sarah Reng Ochekpe urged stakeholders to develop strategies for protecting and rebuilding communities. She also commended the government’s resettlement efforts and called for proactive measures to safeguard the future.
On security, Lt. Col. M. Abdullahi, representing the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, assured attendees of the Army’s readiness to protect lives and property.
While emphasizing that security is a shared responsibility, he noted, “Our doors are always open to collaboration. We rely on leaders to provide timely and useful information, as this is critical in averting attacks and ensuring safety for all.” He further urged communities to expose criminal elements and work closely with security agencies.
The conference, which brought together leaders from 15 northern states, reinforced a collective resolve to tackle the challenges of displacement and insecurity. It also underscored the importance of unity among ethnic groups in achieving lasting peace and sustainable development.
