Berom/Fulani Clashes: Lalong Sets up 14 Member Peace Committee

From Pwanagba Agabus, Jos
In continuation of his peacebuilding efforts among Fulani herdsmen and the Berom, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has admonished all to embrace the peace building platform provided through the strategic stakeholders consultation as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism that will address all contending issues in the lingering crisis.
Lalong stated this at a joint council meeting with Berom and Fulani stakeholders held at the Presidential lodge in Rayfield, Jos the State’s Capital.
It would be recalled that Governor Lalong, in his inauguration speech, declared that peace, security and good governance will be the topmost priority of his government.
In this regard, on assumption of office the governor met with Berom community leaders in two separate meetings in June 2015, with a view to finding lasting solution to the incessant attacks in Riyom and Barkin Ladi resulting in the killing of scores of citizens and several incidences of cattle rustling, farmland destructions, property destructions and high cases of displaced persons.
The governor admonished all to embrace the peace building platform provided through the on-going strategic consultation as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism that will address all contending issues in the crisis.
Lalong directed the immediate composition of a 14-man committee, made up of seven individuals from each of the affected local governments to receive the community recommendations committees of the peaceful resolutions of the violent crisis which has resulted in the death of no fewer than 300 people in the last two years.
The governor also directed the Police Commissioner, Special Task Force and the State Security Rainbow) to ensure the enforcement of law and order in the communities particularly as it pertains to the illegal possession of firearms and dangerous weapons.