After seven years of displacement, over 200,000 Bassa indigenes in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State are set to return to their ancestral homes on February 10, 2025. Their return follows multiple peace meetings facilitated by the state government and security agencies.

The acting chairman of the Bassa Youth for Peace Coalition Forum, Joshua Gomina, confirmed this development on Monday while speaking to journalists. He recalled that his kinsmen had been displaced since April 22, 2018, following a communal clash with the Egbura ethnic group.

Government and Security Efforts Praised

Gomina expressed appreciation for the intervention efforts of the state government, security operatives, and the Toto Local Government leadership in resolving the dispute.

“We are pleased to formally announce that Monday, February 10, 2025, has been scheduled for the return of 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 said.

Security Measures for a Safe Return

Gomina further stated that Governor Abdullahi Sule had authorized the Commanding Officer of the 177 Guard Battalion, Keffi, and the Chairman of Toto Local Government Area, Ahmad Yahaya, to oversee the safe return of the displaced persons.

He also outlined specific meeting points for returnees traveling from different parts of the country.

• Those coming from Lagos, Ibadan, Kaduna, and Lokoja will gather at Kekeshi Village, Abaji Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
• Returnees from Benue, Plateau, and Lafia will assemble at Gunki Village in Nasarawa Local Government Area.

Call for Humanitarian Support

In light of this development, Gomina called on displaced individuals and families to prepare for their return. He also extended an appeal to relevant agencies and organizations to provide necessary assistance.

“We also extend an invitation to the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons; the United Nations Refugee Agency; the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development; the National Emergency Management Agency; and non-governmental organizations to support the Bassa returnees with any assistance they can offer,” he said.

The return of the displaced Bassa people marks a significant step towards reconciliation and stability in the region. With the commitment of the government and security agencies, the resettlement process aims to restore peace and normalcy to Toto Local Government Area.