BENUE (FIC Makurdi) – The Benue State Government, has granted amnesty to two warring communities (Okpokwu and Ollo) in Okpokwu Local Government Area, of Benue State and called on them to live in peace and harmony, with one another.

The State’s Deputy Governor, Engr. Benson Abounu, made this known during the celebration of the restoration of peace between them at St. Peter’s Parish Clinic, Olanyega in Okpokwu Local Government recently.

Engr. Abounu stated that, the ceremony marks the return of peace in the area and warned the two communities to refrain from further attacks and destruction of lives and property.
    
He therefore urged them to have a change of attitude and embrace peace for the development of their communities.
    
Mr. Francis Agbo,  Hon. Member representing Ado, Ogbadibo and Okpokwu, in the House of Representatives, expressed happiness over the end of the crises that had claimed several lives and property in the area and prayed for the sustenance of peace in the Local Government Area.
    
Another Member representing Okopkwu, at the Benue State House of Assembly, Mr. Anthony Agon, also expressed joy on the intervention of the Deputy Governor in ensuring that peace returned to the area.
    
The Chairman, Okpokwu Local Government Area, Mrs. Amina Audu thanked the Benue State Governor, for the peace initiative and appealed for more security personnel to be posted to the area for effective operation.
    
The Leaders of the warring Communities, Mr. Omale Agbo of Okpoga and Mathew Ela of Ollo, appreciated the Deputy Governor for his effort in restoring peace in the area and promised that there would be no further violence in their communities again.