The forum of Muri youths in Jalingo have commended the Kuru Kona Augustine Njenmang for his efforts at ensuring the peaceful resolution of the crisis between the Fulani herdsmen and Kona farmers that led to the death of almost a hundred persons, displacement of over five thousand and destruction of property worth millions.
Coordinator of the forum Alh. Shehu Jaoji made the commendation yesterday during the presentation of award to the monarch at his palace in Kona, Jalingo local government area of the state.
Jaoji said that at a time the two tribes were locked in a heated battled, the monarch displayed uncommon trait by standing for peace rather than tribal interest.
“Today is a milestone in the history of our collective efforts at ensuring that the mutually beneficial relationship that existed between the Kona farming communities and the Fulani herdsmen is returned and peace is given a chance. As young people,we are only well aware of the consequences of war because we are the ones that are often dragged to the war front.
” Today, we want to specially commend the efforts of the Kuru Kona for standing firm to ensure that these hostilities are checked and normalcy returned, even when he is directly affected by the crisis and his people are displaced. I remember occasions where cows belonging to the Fulani strayed to Kona at the peak of the crisis and were confiscated by youths in the area. While any other leader would have considered this as spoils of war, the Kuru Kona stood firm to ensure that these were returned to the rightful owners.
“This and several such other efforts by the Kuru in engaging all critical stakeholders towards finding lasting peace are the reasons we are here today, to give him this award in the hope that it will help him to do even more and motivate others to also key into these peace efforts”.
While reacting to the award, the Kuru Kona HRH Augustine Njenmang said that he was overwhelmed by the efforts of the youths who have chosen to be on the side of peace rather than violence, and urged them not to allow themselves to be used as thugs and instruments of destruction.
” Let me say that I feel highly honored by this award. It is a special award because it is coming from youths who have been used to cause destruction in various parts of the state at various times. Now that they have chosen to be on the side of peace, it is a thing of great joy. I urge you to shun vices and avoid been used as thugs and agents of destruction. Let me also call on all the other stakeholders to emulate the efforts of the youths, come together, let us unite and bring peace that is requisite for development to take place.”
Our correspondent reports that the Muri youths who are predominantly Fulani are the first to take such bold step to give award to the leader of a warring faction in the state for his efforts at ensuring peace.
