Stakeholders in Kwara and Oyo have resolved the lingering communal dispute between indigenes and non-indigenes in some Baruten communities of Kwara state.
It was reported that recent misunderstanding among the people resulted in riots, property loss, injuries, and loss of lives in Okuta, Chikanda, Ilesha Baruba, Kosubosu, Gure, and other parts of the local government.
At a meeting held at Kosubosu, headquarters of Baruten local government and attended by the Okere of Saki and Ibà of Kisi, both from the neighbouring Oyo state as well as a delegation of the Baruba and Yoruba communities at the weekend, the leader of the Kwara state delegation, and the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Engineer Danladi-Salihu, reiterated commitment of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq-led administration to sustainable peace, saying that if the lingering conflicts left unresolved, could put into shred the age-long mutual and cordial relationship between the communities of Kwara and Oyo.
“I must commend the proactive measures taken by our royal fathers; the Okere of Saki and the Ibà of Kisi to put the crisis under control, you have done wonderfully well as traditional leaders and I would like to urge you to keep playing the fatherly role of talking to our people to maintain and sustain the age-long friendly relationship we have among ourselves”.
The Speaker also acknowledged the support of the Emirs of Òkúta, Ilesha-Baruba, Yashikira, and Gwanara who also attended the meeting for their efforts towards maintaining peace in the land, urging them to keep talking to the people on the need to avoid war at all cost, saying that no price should be too much to pay for peace to reign.
In same regard, member representing Irepo/Orelope/Olorunsogo federal constituency of Oyo state in the House of Representatives, Prince Olaide Lateef Mohammed, has enjoined people of Baruten local government area of Kwara state and their Yoruba neighbours to unite with a view to restore peace and harmony in the community.
Hon. Mohammed also appealed to every resident, regardless of the backgrounds (be it Yoruba or Ibaruba) to prioritise peace and unity, advising the people to rise above their differences and stand together as brothers and sisters under the banner of Nigeria.
“I extend my heartfelt greetings to each of you, acknowledging the challenges that currently envelop our community. It is with a deep sense of responsibility and concern that I address you today in the aftermath of distressing incidents that have recently transpired in Baruten local government.
“In these trying times, it is crucial for us to come together as a united front to restore peace and harmony in our community.
“In my capacity as the Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Pensions, I am collaborating closely with esteemed colleagues in both Oyo and Kwara states. Together, our goal is to find lasting solutions to the current challenges and prevent the recurrence of such unfortunate events.
“Comprehensive strategies are actively being developed to ensure the prevention of similar events in the future. Your safety and the security of the Baruten community are at the forefront of our agenda.
“Our strength lies in unity. By working together, we can overcome these challenges and build a community that thrives on peace, cooperation, and shared prosperity.
“I implore each one of you to actively contribute to the restoration of peace in Okuta, Chikanda, and other areas of Baruten, Kwara state. Your cooperation is crucial in achieving this vision.
“May Allah bless us with wisdom, patience, and the ability to foster enduring peace in our beloved community. Together, we can emerge stronger from these trying times.”
