Stakeholders urge Tiv, Jukun to end killings

Efforts by Taraba State governor, Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku and his counterpart from neighbouring Benue State, Samuel Ortom to permanently end the incessant killings between Tiv community in Benue and the Jukun in Taraba State, have failed, as killings and destruction of properties between the two tribes have remained unabated.

On several occasions, both governors had engaged in peace meetings to restore peace in the two communities. The recent crisis, which led to loss of lives and wanton destruction of property was not only an indication that the numerous peace accords between the two states, which led to the establishment of a special task force comprising soldiers, policemen and other security operatives from the two states had failed, but that there was need to redouble efforts.

Ishaku, who recently said he was worried about the incessant conflicts between Jukun and Tiv, condemned the degeneration of a minor conflict between a Jukun and a Tiv into a bitter conflict.He said: “Frequent conflicts can only lead to disruption of economic activities and aggravate poverty and hunger. As neighbours, the two groups need each other for economic survival. Therefore, they must co-operate in protecting their communities against any form of threat to peace.”

Yesterday, the chairman, Taraba State Council of chiefs, the Aku-Uka of Wukari, Shakarau Angyu Masa Ibi, organised a stakeholders’ meeting for both states. Expressing dismay over the recent mayhem, the monarch appealed for calm and ways to end violence in the area.Stakeholders identified government’s inability to provide employment for youths in the areas, as major reason for the incessant unrest.