With 45 Tiv farmers killed, 27 injured and 5,000 farmers displaced across 12 communities in Nasarawa State, State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has vowed to ensure that killers of a Fulani herdsman and Tiv farmers and ensure that they were arrested and prosecuted.
Governor Sule made the vow during a meeting held on Monday with security chiefs, traditional rulers as well as Tiv and Fulani community leaders in the Obi Local Government Area of the state.
The meeting was in response and part of sustained efforts to curtail the violence that erupted in parts of Obi and Lafia LGAs at the weekend.
He said, “There was a needless loss of lives of our citizens. Such act of violence is most unfortunate, condemnable, unacceptable and will not be condoned by this administration.
“I am admonishing you all to live in peace with one another and to shun mischief makers looking for opportunities to cause mayhem.”
He charged community leaders in the area to avoid making spurious claims, saying that such claims create a wrong impression within and outside the state.
As to the accurate figures of those killed, the Governor said security operatives involved in restoring peace in the affected areas are the most appropriate to ascertain the figures.
“As an administration, we will do everything possible to get to the bottom of this and forestall any future security breach.
“Relief materials will be sent to displaced persons and government will work with all stakeholders to ensure that they return to their communities and businesses as soon as possible,” he added.