Makurdi — Prominent indigenes of Vandeikya local government area Benue have pledged to foster unity, peace and development in the area.

They made the pledge at a New Year eve meeting held at the country home of Mr. Joe Ikyaagba, a former commissioner of Works and Housing, near Tsar.

Those who spoke included council chairman, Mr. Benjamin Dowgo, the second class traditional ruler in the area, Chief Dyako Atser, PDP local government chairman, Mr. Bemgba Chia, and the former commissioner, Mr. Ikyaagba.

The council chairman, Mr. Dowgo, in his speech, stated that one of his priorities is the promotion of the unity of the people.

He said without the unity of its indigenes development would continue to elude the area.

The chairman appealed to indigenes to refrain from running down one another pointing out that the practice had robbed the local government of leaders who would have been utilized at the state and federal levels.

Vandeikya local government PDP Chairman, Mr. Bemgba Chia, stated that the party would always consult with traditional rulers on all issues in order to enable its leadership to provide the right direction to the people.