Bassa natives in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, displaced in a protracted crisis with Egbura neighbours, will return to their ancestral homes on February 10.
The acting chairman of Bassa Youth for Peace Coalition Forum, Mr. Joshua Nyizogambi Gomina, disclosed this on Monday.
According to him, more than 200,000 Bassa natives were forced out in the conflict, which led to the death of many and the destruction of properties.
Mr Gomina said the move to return his native men and women to the area followed weeks of peace meetings brokered by the state government in collaboration with heads of security agencies.
“We are pleased to formally announce that Monday, February 10, 2025, has been scheduled to return the displaced Bassa communities in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
“Since 2018, the Bassa people have been facing a series of challenges as a result of the communal clashes that happened with the Egbura ethnic group.
“The number of the Bassa people that were displaced in the communities around the area are over 200,000, and we are hoping that a considerable number of the displaced persons will return to their ancestral homes next week, Monday, February 10, 2025,” he stated.
He said the return would be overseen by Keffi, the Commanding Officer of the 177 Guard Battalion, and Ahmad Baba Yahaya, the Chairman of Toto Local Government Area Pharm.
“In light of this development, we call on all displaced individuals and families of the Bassa ethnic group from Toto Local Government Area who are currently spread across the Nation to prepare for their return home.
“We also invite the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the UN Refugee Agency, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, the National Emergency Management Agency, and Non-governmental Organizations, among others, to support the Bassas returnees with any assistance they can offer.
“Our first point of arrival will be the Ugya and Turunku communities of Toto LGA. The meeting point for those in Lagos, Ibadan, and Lokoja will be Kekeshi Village, Abaji Area Council, FCT, Abuja. It is the same venue for those coming from Kaduna and other states within that axis.
“While those coming from Benue, Plateau, and Lafia axis down to Nasarawa LGA will be meeting at Gunki village of Nasarawa LGA of Nasarawa State,” he explained.