The Swem Karagbe Club, a socio-cultural organisation rooted in Tiv heritage in Benue State, has called for urgent and coordinated action by political, traditional and socio-cultural elites to confront what it described as sustained and organised attacks on Tiv communities across Benue State and the wider Middle Belt, even as it celebrated its 30th anniversary with renewed commitments to unity, welfare and collective development.

The call formed the central thrust of the anniversary celebration held in Abuja on Saturday, where stakeholders underscored the need for strategic planning, institutional collaboration and continuity of response in addressing the protracted security challenges affecting Tivland.

Delivering a keynote address at the event, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Daily Asset Newspaper, Dr. Cletus Akwaya, warned that recurring violence in rural communities had evolved beyond isolated incidents into a complex security crisis with grave humanitarian and socio-economic consequences.

Akwaya, a former Special Adviser on Media to ex-Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam and later Commissioner for Information and Orientation, noted that fragmented responses and the politicisation of security concerns had over time weakened collective efforts, allowing the situation to persist.

He observed that the pattern of attacks, often resulting in loss of lives, destruction of homes and farmlands, and mass displacement, underscored the need for a harmonised, elite-driven framework that transcends political cycles and sectional interests.

According to him, insecurity in Tivland has disrupted agriculture, commerce and education while deepening poverty and social instability across several local government areas.

Members of the Swem Karagbe Club described the anniversary as not only a moment of celebration but also an opportunity for sober reflection on the realities confronting the Tiv nation.

They urged leaders across party lines, traditional institutions, professional bodies and diaspora organisations to close ranks and adopt a unified advocacy and intervention strategy capable of delivering measurable outcomes.

Participants also highlighted the importance of community-based intelligence gathering, youth empowerment initiatives and sustained engagement with federal and state authorities as part of a long-term security architecture, maintaining that isolated interventions had proven insufficient without coordination and adequate resource mobilisation.

Speakers further emphasised the role of the media and civil society in shaping public consciousness and sustaining national discourse on security concerns.

Chairman of the occasion, Estate Surveyor and Valuer, ESV Godwin Ityoachimin, called for stronger collaboration among elite and professional associations across Nigeria, stressing that unity would provide a more formidable platform for national development and advocacy.

Ityoachimin, an APC governorship aspirant in Benue State in 2023 and a declared hopeful for 2027, commended the leadership and members of the club for sustaining cohesion and growth over three decades, describing the milestone as significant in the life of any social organisation.

He expressed admiration for the club’s achievements and infrastructure, including its clubhouse, and pledged technical as well as possible financial support for future initiatives, particularly in community development.

While noting his membership of several associations within the Federal Capital Territory and his inability to formally register with the club, he described himself as a “notional member,” assuring the association of his readiness to stand with it whenever called upon.

He also advised the leadership to consider ongoing discussions on forming a coalition of elite clubs and professional bodies nationwide, arguing that many organisations currently operate in silos despite sharing similar visions, thereby weakening their collective influence.

He further encouraged improved coordination of social events and reaffirmed his governorship ambition on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 election cycle, saying his aspiration is driven by a vision for improved leadership and development.

Earlier, President of the Swem Karagbe Club, Mr. Jacob Kajo, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to unity, cultural preservation, members’ welfare and collective investment.

He traced the club’s origin to 1996 when six friends formed what was then known as the “Committee of Friends,” a platform designed to promote self-help, mutual support and the protection of Tiv cultural heritage.

Kajo commended the sacrifices of the founding members and successive executive committees for laying a solid foundation that positioned the club among notable social organisations within its environment.

He disclosed that the current leadership operates through four standing committees, Cultural, Welfare, Investment and Public Relations, to ensure inclusiveness and efficiency.

Expressing concern over the ageing population of members, the president called for the admission of credible younger individuals to sustain the founders’ vision, adding that entry conditions were under review to make participation more attractive to responsible youths.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the Board of Trustees and paid tribute to deceased pioneer members, noting that replacements had been made to preserve institutional continuity.

On welfare, Kajo said the club regularly supports members during ceremonies, illnesses, bereavements and other milestones, describing the gesture as central to its identity as a family-oriented social body.

He further revealed that the association operates a cooperative society and financial platforms that enable savings and access to loans for personal and economic advancement.
Highlighting future plans, he announced proposals to sink a borehole, construct rental shops along the frontage of the club premises and build modest accommodation facilities to strengthen the club’s revenue base.

A major highlight of the occasion was the conferment of Club Honours Awards on four deserving individuals in recognition of outstanding service to the club, community and nation.

While expressing concern over prevailing insecurity and economic challenges in the country, Kajo urged government authorities to intensify efforts toward restoring peace and improving economic stability, encouraging members to remain resilient and supportive of one another.

The anniversary gathering concluded with a collective appeal for sustained collaboration among elites and citizens alike, emphasising that peace, stability and development in Tivland would depend largely on shared responsibility, institutional coordination and an unwavering commitment to protecting lives and livelihoods.