The Bassa people of Toto Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria, are preparing to return to their ancestral homes after seven years of displacement. Over 200,000 Bassa indigenes were forced to flee the area in April 2018 following a violent communal clash with the Egbura ethnic group. The impending return, scheduled for February 10, 2025, is the culmination of years of peace-building efforts by the Nasarawa State government, security agencies, and local leaders. The Bassa Youth for Peace Coalition Forum has played a significant role in advocating for the return and coordinating the logistical arrangements. The return offers a beacon of hope for a community long scarred by conflict and displacement, marking a major step towards reconciliation and rebuilding.
The prolonged displacement of the Bassa people has had a devastating impact on their lives and livelihoods. Scattered across the country, many sought refuge in other states, including Lagos, Ibadan, Kaduna, Lokoja, Benue, Plateau, and Lafia, facing immense hardship and uncertainty. The loss of homes, farms, and social support structures has created immense economic and emotional challenges for the displaced population. Children’s education has been disrupted, and families have struggled to meet basic needs. The upcoming return signifies a chance to reclaim their lives, rebuild their communities, and heal the wounds of the past. It represents a critical turning point in their journey towards recovery and stability.
The Nasarawa State government, under the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule, has demonstrated a commitment to resolving the conflict and facilitating the safe return of the displaced Bassa people. Through numerous peace dialogues and collaborative initiatives involving security agencies and community leaders, the government has paved the way for reconciliation and the restoration of peace in the affected area. The collaboration between the state government, the Commanding Officer of the 177 Guard Battalion in Keffi, and the Chairman of Toto Local Government Area underscores the importance of a multi-faceted approach to addressing the complex challenges associated with displacement and reintegration.
The return process involves a coordinated effort to ensure the smooth and safe transition of the Bassa people back to their homes. Designated meeting points have been established at Kekeshi Village in Abaji Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, for those returning from Lagos, Ibadan, Kaduna, and Lokoja, and at Gunki village in Nasarawa LGA, Nasarawa State, for those coming from Benue, Plateau, and Lafia. This structured approach aims to facilitate the logistical aspects of the return and ensure the safety and security of the returnees as they embark on their journey back home.
The Bassa Youth for Peace Coalition Forum has actively appealed for support from various humanitarian organizations to assist the returning Bassa community. The forum has specifically called upon the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other non-governmental organizations to provide much-needed assistance to the returnees. This aid will be crucial in supporting their reintegration, rebuilding their lives, and addressing the various challenges they will face upon returning home.
The return of the Bassa people to Toto Local Government Area represents a significant milestone in the peace-building process and the restoration of normalcy in the region. While the physical return marks a vital step, the process of rebuilding homes, livelihoods, and community structures will require sustained commitment and collaborative efforts. The provision of adequate support and resources to the returnees will be crucial in enabling them to successfully reintegrate and rebuild their lives. Moreover, fostering continued dialogue and reconciliation between the Bassa and Egbura communities will be essential to prevent future conflicts and ensure lasting peace in the area. The upcoming return signifies not just a physical homecoming but also a renewed hope for peace, reconciliation, and a brighter future for all the communities in Toto Local Government Area.
