This declaration came barely three weeks after the last arms conflict which broke out between Tiv farmers and Fulani cattle-rearers in Adaka, a community in Gwer-West local government area of the state. Reports said not less than five persons were killed in the arms conflict which started as a result of a minor misunderstanding. The Sultan, who visited Makurdi to grace the launching of four books by the Tor Tiv, Orchivirigh Alfred Akawe Torkula, commended the Tiv/Fulani Committee on Conflict Resolution headed by the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Usman Shehu Abubakar and the Tor Tiv for “working hard to ensure less or no clashes between Tiv farmers and Fulani cattle-rearers”.
The incessant clashes between the two ethnic groups who share common cultural jokes have been minimized because leaders have come together to fine tune dialogue, adding “we should encourage and copy these role models for Nigeria as a country”.
The Sultan, who was accompanied by the Etsu Nupe, added that he had traveled to all parts of the country preaching unity and peaceful existence among Nigerians, explained that Nigerian citizens are one people with just some difference. “We will not get tired of going round to preach the oneness of the great people of this country,” he added.
Governor Suswam, who was accompanied by the Tor Tiv and the deputy governor, Chief Steven Lawani as well as the governor’s Special Adviser on local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Sam Ode, commended the Sultan for his effort to foster unity among the diverse people of the country.
