Benue communities sign peace accord on natural resource sharing

Communities in Benue State have signed a Natural Resource Sharing Agreement aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and preventing conflicts over land and other natural resources.

The agreement was signed on Monday during a peacebuilding programme facilitated by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD).

Speaking at the event, HD Country Manager, Chris Agoha, described the agreement as a major step towards strengthening cooperation, reconciliation and sustainable peace across the state.

He said the international peacebuilding organisation works in Africa, Asia and other regions to mediate conflicts and promote dialogue.

He said HD’s interventions in Nigeria focus on mediation, conflict prevention and sustainable peacebuilding through community-based approaches.

Agoha said the organisation addresses the root causes of conflict, including disputes over land and water, climate change, farmer-herder clashes and insecurity.

He commended the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation for partnering with HD to promote dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

Agoha noted that years of violent conflict had caused serious economic, social and psychological hardship for many communities, stressing that reconciliation and strong institutions remain essential for lasting peace.

He described the agreement as a collective commitment by communities to embrace dialogue, lawful conduct and peaceful coexistence.

Director-General of the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation, Josephine Habba, thanked traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders for voluntarily endorsing the agreement.

She said peace cannot be imposed but must be embraced by all, describing the accord as the beginning of a long journey towards reconciliation.

Habba urged residents to continue promoting unity and peaceful coexistence, expressing confidence that the agreement would strengthen social harmony, encourage development and provide a lasting foundation for peace across Benue State.

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