Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The umbrella body of Tiv youths, the Tiv Youth Council (TYC), has advocated a strong collaborative effort among security agencies and local communities, to end farmers/herdsmen clashes that had led to deaths and destruction of communities in Benue State and other neighbouring states.
The youths were convinced that joint effort of stakeholders would strengthen the intelligence system and encourage quick response to any attack.
TYC President, Mike Msuaan, told journalists in Abuja, on Wednesday, that it is time all security agencies worked together with the affected communities to return peace and progress to the troubled areas.
He alleged that some of the Tiv youths have been fueling the crisis for some selfish gains, appealing to them to withdraw their steps and support the path to peace.
He said: “Benue is the only state we could call our own. If it is destroyed as some people wanted, then our children and unborn generations would not forgive us. We must support the police and other security agencies to end this killings.”
The youths commended the police leadership for their unrelenting effort to return peace and life to communities that were destroyed in the course of the crisis.
They also called on government and wealthy individuals to kindly assist those Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in different camps particularly children, with food and non food items.
He said, “They are the future leaders of Benue State and the way they grow up from now will determine how well our state will be in years to come.”