From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Relief has come the way of embattled people of Bagana Community in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi state as the colonel Babanawa led peace committee has reopened the market which was closed down for over five months in the wake of the lingering bloodshed in the area.
The people of Bagana and its environs, were full of joy when the committee visited the deserted Bagana recently to instill confidence and restore hope to the people who have been displayed from their homes for several months
With the visible assurances of the committee to get to the root of the crisis in order to provide sustainable solutions, the people were enthusiastic, when the news of reopening of the market fritters to towns
Speaking with Our Correspondent, a member of the Committee and a strong member of Igala Cultural Development Association ICDA and Chairman, kogi state council of Nigeria Medical Association Dr. Omakoji Oyigu called on the warring factions to sheath their swords and embrace peace through the widow opened by the committee.
Oyigu noted with sadness the level of destruction and human casualty caused by the imbroglio, which has brought about huge humanitarian crisis not to only Bagana community but to the entire LGA,
He pointed out that Bagana being the trading and economic hub of the LGA should not be allowed to continue with the senseless and madness killings and destruction of property, hence, the constitution of the committee.
He added that, after careful and meticulous study of the situation, the committee decided to open the market as preliminary measure to reduce the economic hardship on the people.
He assured the people that security architecture have been mobilised to keep vigil on the town and its environs so as to give confidence to the people to return home.
Dr. Oyigu, said the Committee has in the interim, directed the the gagos of Hausa, Igala, Ihankpe and Otutubatu to fashion out all inclusive vigilante organisation that will take care of the security of the town, while the men of the Nigerian Navy will reinforce with the local vigilante on market day to provide security to lives and property.
He called on sons and daughters of the communities to avail the committee with useful memorandum that will assist in bring permanent peace to the area.
He solicited the cooperation of all those affected and infected by the 8th year old crisis to put the ugly event behind and appreciate peace to move the area forward.
Recalled that the Chairman of Omala Local Government Council Hon. Ibrahim Aboh, recently constituted Col. Suleiman Babanawa Committee to provide solutions to the Bagana crisis, who hit the ground running with the opening of the commodity market in Bagana.
End.