Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has helped members of the Bassa ethnic group return to their ancestral homes in Toto Local Government Area after seven years of displacement.
The Bassa people had fled over 100 communities following a violent clash with the Egbira ethnic group between 2018 and 2019. Many attempts by past governments to bring them back failed, but Governor Sule’s peace-building efforts, which began when he took office in 2019, have now made the return possible.
On Tuesday, some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at a transit camp in Ukya, Toto LGA, welcomed government officials and promised to support the governor’s peace plans.
Mr Isaq Kaura, who spoke for the camp, thanked Governor Sule, the Chairman of Toto LGA, Ahmed Yahaya, and his deputy, Mr Atnadu Yakubu, for helping their people return home.
“Before the crisis, many of us had good lives as farmers, traders, and civil servants. We lost everything, but we want peace now. We are ready to forgive and live peacefully with our neighbours,” Kaura said.
Mrs Abigail Abraham, the camp’s women leader, said many women had already started small businesses and farming again, thanks to the government’s support.
Speaking on behalf of Bassa traditional rulers, Chief Aguma Isaac of the Kagbo community said they returned to their villages on February 10, 2025, and since then, they had not faced any new attacks.
“We are happy to be home, but all our houses and schools were destroyed. Over 31,000 people have returned, but we have no shelter. We are sleeping in classrooms. We need government help to rebuild our homes and get farm tools. We also ask to stay in the camp until after the rainy season,” he said.
Deputy Chairman of Toto LGA, Mr Atnadu Yakubu, promised that the government would continue to look into their needs and encouraged them to report any issues peacefully.
During the visit, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services, Barr. Hauwa Samuel-Ugbo, and the Director-General of the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency, Barr. Benjamin Akwash, praised the returnees for their peaceful behaviour.
They said Governor Sule had sent them to check on the community’s condition and report back with advice on how best to help them settle in properly.
“We will pass your message to the governor. He remains committed to seeing you live in peace and dignity,” they both said.
