After 30 years of conflict, the villages of Ntumbaw and Njirong in the Ndu subdivision of Donga Mantung division have finally agreed to a peace deal, bringing an end to their long-standing land dispute.
The fertile land of Mbawrong had been at the center of the conflict between the two villages for three decades, leading to deep-seated animosity, numerous court battles, and the destruction of lives and property. Despite efforts by successive administrations in Donga Mantung, peace had remained elusive.
However, on Tuesday, August 13, a significant breakthrough was achieved during a meeting of Wimbum’s traditional rulers, including the Fons of Ntumbaw and Njirong. The meeting, presided over by the newly appointed Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) for Donga Mantung, Basiliken George Magloir Emmanuel, resulted in a peace agreement.
The peace deal was built on recommendations previously made by the governor of the North West region during consultations held to resolve the dispute. These recommendations were embraced as a pathway to restoring peace between the two villages.
Among the key recommendations, as gathered by MMI, were the “creation of a Peace Building Commission chaired by the mayor of Ndu and the demarcation of the boundaries between Njirong and Ntumbaw villages.” The boundary demarcation exercise is expected to be completed by December 2024.
In a message to the two communities, the SDO of Donga Mantung emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence. “Ntumbaw and Njirong are one people. I don’t know why they are fighting,” he remarked, urging the villages to embrace peace.
This agreement marks a hopeful new chapter for Ntumbaw and Njirong, ending years of conflict and paving the way for future cooperation and harmony between the two communities.
