ANOTHER IGEDE AGBA IN THE CLOUD OF DOOM

Not unexpectedly, this Igede Agba 2021 is again coming against a backdrop of so much pain, sorrow and uncertainty in Ukpute and Ochoro.

We all seems to have become sedated and accustomed to pain and tragedy. Heartbreak has been standing as our gate keeper in Igede land for two years now. For sometimes now, a dark blanket of horror, sorrow and death has consistently hung in our skyline threatening to eclipse the promises of the joy and peace which we think is our heritage until the Bonta people of Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State, that used to our good neighbours invaded us without just reason.

An appeal to all relevant stakeholders; it is high time, we pause and ponder about the nature of the force of evil that is now raving our land and molesting our cherished peace. It is high time we begin to realise without a seer telling us that this invading terror is a product of hate and extinction agenda. As we plan to celebrate Igede Agba even in low key, we should know this as a matter of urgency- while hate tries to divide us, terror and death should pull us together. Regardless of our differences, socially or politically- it is the best time we love and show concern to ourselves in Igede land.

As our land drifts almost like people travelling without maps, as our vulnerability is so terrible and seems to be without destination, as our lives revolves through the opaque sea with neither captain nor crew, the only way to turn to in this critical period of our existence and history is God.

We share with the frustrations of the people of Ukpute and Ochoro over the state of decay and lingering neglect. We pray that the victims of this unnecessary violence find eternal rest with their Creator. We cannot help but cry and starve instead of eating pounded yam and drinking palm wine/ Oburukutu/Ogbete/Erujeje. So I key into the low-keyed-declaration, because the blood is still flowing and the red-grave dust still fresh.

Psalm 121:1-2 is our encouragement: “I lift up my eyes to the hills —where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”