Dekina, Kogi State – On Monday, January 22, 2024, a glimmer of hope emerged for the communities of Oganenigu, in Dekina and the Bassa-Komo tribe in Bassa local governments of Kogi State.
After a period of communal crisis that resulted in loss of lives and properties, a reconciliation meeting convened by the Oganenigu Community Development Association (OCDA) brought together key stakeholders to chart a path towards peace and healing.
High-level attendance: The meeting was help at the Ejeh of Dekina council hall and was graced by prominent figures such as the Eje Dekina, His Royal Highness Dr Usman Obaje;
Egena of Oganenigu, His Highness Imaji Omojayi; the Aguma of Bassa-Komo, His Royal Highness Williams Jimba Keke was ably represented by Aguma Jimada (District Head of Bassa LGA).
Also in attendance are representatives from both communities, and members of the OCDA National Council. Despite the absence of the Aguma Bassa due to a family bereavement, the gathering marked a significant step towards mending fractured relationships.
Focus on forgiveness and reconciliation: The Eje Dekina, acknowledging the trauma inflicted by the crisis, emphasized the need for reconciliation and moving forward. He encouraged participants to avoid dwelling on the past and embraced forgiveness as a cornerstone for rebuilding trust and harmony.
Key agreements: Several crucial agreements emerged from the meeting:
Commitment to peace: Both communities pledged to abide by terms of the truce and refrain from any acts of violence or aggression towards each other.
Respect for land rights: An understanding was reached that Bassas will not demand royalties from Igalas engaging in legitimate activities on their land. This decision upholds the tradition of peaceful coexistence established by previous generations.
Youth engagement: Recognizing the crucial role of youth in fostering peace, both communities agreed to counsel and guide their young men against resorting to violence.
Dissemination of resolutions: The OCDA will ensure the documentation and distribution of the meeting’s resolutions to all stakeholders for reference and guidance.
Beyond Oganenigu and Bassa: The successful reconciliation effort extends beyond the immediate communities. The OCDA’s commitment to peacemaking serves as a model for resolving conflicts across the region and encourages other communities facing similar challenges to seek dialogue and understanding.
The road ahead: While this meeting marks a significant milestone, the journey towards complete healing and rebuilding will require continued effort from all parties involved.
Open communication, mutual respect, and sustained initiatives to foster economic and social cooperation will be essential in solidifying the fragile peace and ensuring a brighter future for both Oganenigu and Bassa communities.