“There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.’ –Oscar Wilde.
Last year Igede Agba was celebrated low-key because of the unnecessary and avoidable crisis between Ukpute/Ochoro and Bonta people. Most of the Igede people of these areas were in Agidegbe as evacuees and would be heartless if the remaining Igede people went on feasting.
Benue State’s government under His Excellency Samuel Ortom saw the need to put a lasting measure to the perennial crisis between the two communities by setting a boundary adjustment committee headed by the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Benson Aboonu. So, by the last check, boundary adjustment is not one of the solutions but the only one. The one-million-naira question is– why is it not done up till now? Who stopped the process? Could there be neglect or infiltration of primitive tribal politics?
The passion of Governor Ortom to defend Benue is not in contest, the determination is written all over him, and so he knows that indifference and neglect often do much more damage than even outright pronouncement of dislike to a people. As a defender of Benue valley, he understands well that a wound gets worse when treated with neglect.
Mr Governor, while you prepare your felicitation to Igede nation on her Igede Agba celebration 2022, remember that what we need from you is not a goodwill message; but to demarcate the boundary between the two communities to avoid the reoccurrence of the killings in the future. After all, boundary demarcation is normal in a sane society; we know the boundaries between Benue and Nassarwa, Enugu, Taraba and Cross River even in the absence of crisis.
For the Awarji-Oju road, we remembered the marching order you gave a few years ago to the contractors for a speedy job accomplishment. Your political aid from Igede assured us that you are a man of your word as a politician and a pastor. So, that one is a done deal.
We in Igede nation will not stop to cry as hard as we can for the issue of marginalization and neglect, but you can do something as a pastor to make sure we stop crying and never cry again for the same reason.
Governor Ortom, demarcate the boundary, and it will make the best gift we will receive for the Igede Agba celebration.
EKURWE_for the love of master Moses captured from Ochoro, rescued and brought to the government house.
Published September 2022
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