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The Igede Entertainers Worldwide (IEW), a body representing entertainers of Igede origin, has strongly condemned the recent violence between the people of Adiko in Obi Local Government Area and their neighboring community of Agbadichu Ainu-Ete in Oju Local Government Area of Benue State.
In a statement issued by the group, the entertainers described the skirmishes that escalated into violence as “totally unacceptable,” especially among neighboring and interdependent communities. They emphasized that resorting to conflict is counterproductive and called for dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful engagement as the best way to resolve disputes.
The statement reads in part: “Violence among neighboring communities that are interdependent is totally unacceptable. Instead of resorting to conflict, we must embrace dialogue as the most powerful and effective tool for resolving disputes.”
The group urged individuals in the affected areas to shun all forms of hostility that could lead to the destruction of property and further underdevelopment in Igedeland. They stressed that no meaningful development can occur in a chaotic environment and called on the two communities to “sheathe their swords” and focus on their common enemy underdevelopment.
The Igede Entertainers Worldwide appealed to key stakeholders to intervene urgently, including:
– The Igede Intermediate Area Traditional Council
– The Igbabwos (clan heads and chiefs)
– The Benue State Government
They called for immediate intervention to resolve the ongoing land disputes and bring lasting peace to the people of Agbadichu Ainu-Ete and Adiko.
The statement was signed by Ogbaji Ukenya (Acting President) and James Oko (Acting Secretary) on behalf of Igede Entertainers Worldwide (IEW).
This call for peace highlights the recurring nature of communal conflicts in parts of Benue State, particularly land-related disputes between neighboring communities, and the growing involvement of cultural and professional bodies in advocating for peaceful resolution.
