A group, the Tiv Youth Council (TYC) has alleged that powerful individuals with political influence were behind the incessant clashes between the Tiv and Jukun in Taraba and Benue states. 

The group said the recent killings of some Tiv students and staff of the Federal University, Wukari demanded thorough investigation by security agencies. Its President, Mike Msuaan in a statement said the political class sponsoring the carnages should be arrested for lasting solution and to entrenchment of peace.

This irrational development stirred our curiosity and prompted our team to conduct a scrupulous inquiry into the factors fuelling and motivating the Jukun militia in spite of the several overtures at making peace.“Our incontrovertible findings from this painstaking inquest revealed that powerful individuals with political leanings, funding, training and arming the Jukun militia. 

“Principally, the Governor of Taraba State, Darius Ishaku has remained silent, this has provided cover for the Jukun Militia, while also playing the ostrich, instead of addressing the matter as Chief Security Officer of the state. “On the other hand, other highly placed individuals from Taraba State have been allegedly responsible for inciting the Jukun Militia. 

“Their prime objectives aside ethnic dominance is to stir dissent against the government by raising the tempo of war to an Inferno’s pitch, thereby fuelling national insecurity for political gains just to paint the President Muhammadu Buhari government in negative light,” the statement reads.

Msuaan charged the government to arrest the political players instigating and fuelling violence for cruel political gains, adding that the Tiv and Jukun could live in peace, as witnessed in the past, if the political masterminds fuelling the crisis are isolated and dealt with.