In a significant breakthrough, the Bassa ethnic group has finally returned to their ancestral homes in Toto Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, after seven years of displacement due to communal violence. The successful return is attributed to the sustained efforts of Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration, which has been working tirelessly since 2019 to promote dialogue, reconciliation, and nonviolence.
The Bassa communities were forced to flee their homes in 2018 and 2019 following a deadly conflict with the Egbira people, leaving over 100 villages abandoned. Despite previous attempts to broker peace, the communities remained in limbo until Governor Sule’s administration intervened. The governor’s commitment to finding a lasting solution has paid off, with the returnees expressing their gratitude to the state government during a recent visit by Commissioner for Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services, Barr. Hauwa Samuel-Ugbo, and the Director-General of the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA), Barr. Benjamin Akwash.
Camp spokesperson Mr. Isaq Kaura acknowledged the governor’s relentless pursuit of peace, stating, “Before the crisis, many of us were business owners, farmers, and civil servants. We’ve lost a lot, but we are committed to rebuilding our lives and coexisting peacefully with our neighbors.” The returnees have shown remarkable resilience, with many women resuming farming and small-scale trading in anticipation of full reintegration, according to Mrs. Abigail Abraham, who leads the women in the camp.
Traditional leader Chief Aguma Isaac of the Kagbo community confirmed that since their initial return on February 10, 2025, no incidents of hostility have been reported. Over 31,000 people have now resettled in Toto, although many are still struggling with basic shelter as their homes were destroyed during the crisis. Chief Aguma Isaac pleaded for government support, saying, “Right now, we’re staying in school classrooms. We are appealing to the government for reconstruction support and agricultural inputs. We also request to remain at the camp until after the rainy season, as we have no homes yet.”
The Deputy Chairman of Toto LGA, Mr. Atnadu Yakubu, encouraged the returnees to rely on institutional channels for conflict resolution and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to post-conflict rehabilitation. Commissioner Samuel-Ugbo and DG Akwash praised the Bassa people for maintaining peace and discipline throughout their displacement, stating that the governor is determined to provide durable solutions and will present the community’s concerns and requests to him directly.
As the Bassa people begin to rebuild their lives, their story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of community-led peace initiatives. With the support of the state government, the returnees are determined to coexist peacefully with their neighbors and work towards a brighter future.
