The Fulani and Kuteb ethnic groups in southern part of Taraba State, have finally agreed to give peace a chance by laying down their arms.

Both ethnic groups, it would be recalled, have been on each other’s throats in the past three months.

The situation had not only led to wanton destruction of lives and property, but also led to displacement of persons.

Their decision to embrace peace was arrived at yesterday’s closed door security meeting, which was presided over by the state deputy governor, Haruna Manu.

Speaking shortly after the meeting that lasted for hours, both Kuteb and Fulani leaders, said they unanimously, agreed to a ceasefire to allow for a peaceful coexistence among the people.

Speaking on behalf of the Fulani, the state Legal Adviser of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Dahiru Abbo, said the Fulani and Kuteb leaders sat together to deliberate on how to resolve the lingering crisis between the two ethnic groups in Ussa and Takum local councils, as well as in Yangtu Special Development Areas.

The two groups, according to him, came out with a committee, which he said, was assigned with the responsibility of proffering a permanent solution both remote and immediate causes of the upheaval.

Kuteb ethnic group’s leader, Rev. Shamaki Yakubu Risae, said: “Today, we have resolved that all parties should lay down arms and all forms of roadblocks should stop. Every attack should also stop immediately.”

He said as a stakeholders, he had instructed Kuteb youths not to attack any Fulani community.

“The Fulani people also assured us that they would make concerted efforts at making sure the ceasefire worked,” he said.

The state Police Commissioner, Abimbola Shokoya, said they were been able to bring all stakeholders of the affected communities together and were also able to proffer solutions.

“The command and other sister agencies will continue to work round the clock to halt further outbreak of law and order in the affected communities and the state at large,” he said.