Traditional rulers from Sankera, who have fled their homes due to insecurity in the area, have been urged to “return home” to their thrones.
Sankera comprises Katsina-Ala, Ukum, and Logo Local Government Areas (LGAs). It’s now close to two decades since the area has been under severe insecurity, with a state of emergency imposed by the former Governor Samuel Ortom administration as part of measures to check the tide. Many traditional rulers fled their homes due to insecurity, as some were targeted either for alleged involvement or for standing against perpetrators.
In a recent call on His Eminence Prof James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, Tor Tiv, one of the Sankera repentant militant leaders, Mr Terzulum Amakaa Akwaza, aka Amakaa Overall Konyo, said it was time the fled Traditional rulers return home.
Amaakaa Overall Konyo and many other gang leaders in Sankera have agreed to the Benue State Government’s “lay down your arms” appeal.
Most Reverend Isaac Bundepuun Dugu, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina-Ala and Co-Chair of the Sankera Peace and Reconciliation Committee, has been reaching out to the militants, offering a message of hope and appealing to them to lay down their arms. The committee came into effect when Fr. Hyacinth Alia took office as Governor of Benue State.
However, months after the talks began, some of the traditional rulers who had fled home have yet to return.
Many critics consider Amaakaa Overall Konyo’s call a reflection of the peace gradually returning to Sankera.
TNT understands that traditional rulers from Sankera met privately with the Tor Tiv on Friday, April 17. When contacted, Special Adviser to the Tor Tiv on Media and Publicity, Mr Freddie Adamgbe, declined to comment on what transpired.
