After seven years of displacement following a violent communal clash, over 200,000 Bassa indigenes are set to return to their ancestral homes in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State on February 10, 2025.

The long-awaited homecoming follows a series of peace meetings facilitated by the Nasarawa State Government and security agencies, aimed at resolving lingering disputes between the Bassa and Egbura ethnic groups.

Government and Security Agencies Facilitate Return

The Acting Chairman of the Bassa Youth for Peace Coalition Forum, Joshua Gomina, disclosed the development while addressing journalists on Monday, February 3, 2025.

He noted that the Bassa people had been displaced since April 22, 2018, when clashes erupted between the two communities, forcing thousands to flee. He commended the Nasarawa State Government, security operatives, and local authorities for their role in ensuring peace and facilitating the return process.

“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,” Gomina stated.
“Since 2018, our people have faced serious hardships due to the communal clashes. We are hoping that a considerable number of displaced persons will return home on this historic day.”

Strategic Arrangements for a Safe Return

Gomina revealed that Governor Abdullahi Sule has instructed the Commanding Officer of the 177 Guard Battalion, Keffi, and the Chairman of Toto LG, Ahmad Yahaya, to oversee a safe and organized return of the displaced people.

To ensure a coordinated process, meeting points have been designated for returnees traveling from different parts of the country:

• For returnees from Lagos, Ibadan, Kaduna, and Lokoja: Kekeshi Village, Abaji Area Council, FCT Abuja
• For returnees from Benue, Plateau, and Lafia: Gunki Village, Nasarawa LG, Nasarawa State

Call for Humanitarian Support

In light of the challenges the returnees may face, the Bassa Youth for Peace Coalition Forum has called on government agencies and humanitarian organizations to support the returning families.

“We extend an invitation to 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 other NGOs to assist the returnees with any support they can provide,” Gomina appealed.

The return of the Bassa people to their homeland marks a significant step toward reconciliation and peace in Nasarawa State, as efforts continue to ensure long-term stability between the two communities.