By Sanee Yerima, Jalingo
The Tiv Cultural and Social Association (TCSA) in Taraba State on Monday described the recent joint visit by the governors of Taraba and Benue states to parts of southern Taraba affected by insecurity as a historic step toward restoring peace in the region.
In a statement issued in Jalingo, the President General of the association, Chief James Chihi Bakah, said the visit by Taraba State Governor Dr Agbu Kefas and Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Dr Hyacinth Alia to Wukari, Abako and Chanchanji came at a critical moment for communities grappling with prolonged security challenges.
Bakah said the Tiv community in Taraba had endured months and years of attacks that resulted in the loss of many lives, the displacement of families, disruption of farming activities and worsening humanitarian conditions.
“For us as Tiv people of Taraba State, the visit of the two governors and the First Class Chiefs was not merely ceremonial,” Bakah said. “It was a powerful demonstration of responsible leadership, compassion and interstate cooperation aimed at restoring peace and stability in the affected communities.”
He commended Kefas for personally visiting the troubled areas, saying the governor’s presence reassured displaced residents that the Taraba State government remained committed to protecting lives, restoring normalcy and rebuilding public confidence.
Bakah also praised Alia for joining the peace mission, describing his participation as evidence of the shared responsibility of neighbouring states in addressing security challenges affecting border communities.
“His presence sent a strong message that peace, unity and mutual coexistence remain the only sustainable path for our people,” the statement said.
The association said assurances given during the visit about strengthening security deployments in the affected areas would help enable displaced residents to safely return to their homes and farms.
It also welcomed the provision of relief materials and other humanitarian support for people displaced by the crisis, saying the assistance had renewed hope among families who had endured months of hardship.
The group further expressed appreciation to the Aku Uka of Wukari and Chairman of the Taraba State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, His Royal Majesty Ishaku Adda Ali Matakhitswen, for what it described as consistent efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in the area.
Bakah said the Tiv community remained confident that continued collaboration among traditional rulers, community leaders and government authorities would help create conditions for displaced people to return home.
The statement also acknowledged the role of the Tor Tiv V and Chairman of the Benue State Council of Chiefs, His Royal Majesty James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, whom the group said had continued to promote peace, discipline and unity among Tiv people across communities.
In addition, the association recognised the contributions of other leaders including the Chief of Takum, Barrister Sopiya Ahmadu Gboshi III; the Gara Donga, Ambassador Sanvala Varzoa Shimbura (Gargbanyi II); the Bishop of Katsina-Ala Diocese, Most Rev. Isaac Bundepuun Dugu; and the Bishop of Wukari Diocese, Most Rev. Mark Maigida Nzukwein for their advocacy for peace and community harmony.
According to the group, the joint intervention by the governors alongside traditional and religious leaders represents an important step in efforts to find a lasting solution to the crisis in southern Taraba.
“The collaborative effort demonstrated by the governors, traditional rulers and religious leaders reflects the kind of leadership that prioritises dialogue, reconciliation and the protection of citizens regardless of ethnic or political differences,” the statement said.
The association called on all communities in southern Taraba to embrace peace and support ongoing efforts by government authorities, traditional rulers and security agencies to restore stability in the region.
It warned that continued violence or reprisals would only deepen the suffering of residents and prolong the cycle of insecurity that has affected many communities.
“We also appeal to security agencies to sustain the renewed momentum created by the visit of the two governors by ensuring effective protection of lives and property in all affected communities,” the statement said.
The Tiv people of Taraba State, it added, remained committed to peaceful coexistence with neighbouring communities.
“Our shared history, culture and economic ties demand that we pursue dialogue, understanding and cooperation rather than conflict,” Bakah said.
The association again commended Kefas and Alia for what it described as statesmanship and courage in confronting the security situation in southern Taraba, saying their joint intervention had strengthened hopes for lasting peace in the region.