Tiv/Jukun crisis: Taraba govt warns against hiring militia

Taraba State Government has condemned the practice of hiring militia groups in the conflict between Tiv and Jukun in the state.

This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency meeting between stakeholders of Tiv and Jukun ethnic groups held at Government House, Jalingo.

The meeting was informed by the bloody clash between Tiv and Ichen which led to the killing of many people and razing of several towns and villages.

The meeting, presided by Deputy Governor, Alhaji Haruna Manu, agreed that both sides must stop engaging and hiring militia from other states to participate in the conflict.

Also, the state government, according to the agreement, is to deploy more security to end hostilities between the two ethnic groups in southern Taraba.

The communiqué which was signed by the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Haruna Manu, Barrister Jimme Yongu who represented Tiv ethnic group, and Barrister Danjuma Adamu who represented Jukun ethnic group, also agreed that the government should provide relief materials to victims of the crisis and also facilitate the return of displaced Tiv and Jukun to their homes.

It was also agreed that action should be expedited towards demarcating the boundary between Taraba and Benue States, while the federal government should set up a military base at Chonku and other border areas for proper surveillance of the areas.

The communiqué also directed that all land disputes should be resolved by local government councils rather than individuals which usually results in crises.