A 10-man delegation set up by the Taraba state government to meet with stakeholders in Benue state on how to find lasting solution to the perennial Tiv/Jukun crisis, have briefed the Tor Tiv, Prof James Ayatse, on the peace efforts initiated by Governor Darius Ishaku.
The Taraba state delegation led by Mr Teghtegh Adagba met with the Tor Tiv and other Benue stakeholders in Gboko at the weekend.
While briefing newsmen shortly after their return to Jalingo, Mr. Adagba lauded Governor Ishaku for the peace efforts, which he described as the path to lasting peace between both tribes.
He urged all the warring factions in the conflict to embrace the path of peace, which he said would bring an end to the recurrent clash between the two tribes.
“You may recall that on 1st day of April, 2019, communal crisis erupted between Jukun and the Tiv people in Kente, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba state.” he said.
He explained that many lives were lost and properties destroyed in the crisis adding that series of peace meetings were held in Wukari, Makurdi and Abuja to resolve the crisis, with little or no success.
“Consequently, the Taraba State Government set up a 30-member Jukun/Tiv peace committee to resolve the lingering Jukun/Tiv crisis on 25th and 26th September, 2019 in Jalingo,” he further added.
Mr Adagba disclosed that the committee came up with a communiqué after the meeting between stakeholders and the Tor Tiv in Benue state.
He said it was resolved that there should be a ceasefire immediately by both sides in the conflict and all illegal road blocks are to be dismantled.
The resolution also called for immediate deployment of security personnel to affected areas, noting that all displaced persons should return to their towns and villages.
It was also agreed the committee should develop a one-week peace building template.
