Fulani, Tiv Leaders Declare End to Hostilities in Taraba Peace Deal

 

Leaders of Fulani and Tiv communities in Taraba State have declared an end to hostilities following a high-level peace and reconciliation meeting in Jalingo.

 

The meeting, held at the Jolly Nyame Stadium and facilitated by Governor Agbu Kefas, brought together key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies and government officials, in a renewed push to address lingering communal crises in Southern Taraba.

 

Chaired by a former governor of Bauchi State and President of Tabital Pulaaku International, His Excellency, Dr. Isa Yuguda, the meeting focused on finding sustainable solutions to recurring clashes that have led to loss of lives and destruction of property in affected communities.

 

Participants at the meeting acknowledged that both Fulani and Tiv communities had enjoyed over 200 years of peaceful coexistence, noting that recent conflicts were largely driven by the erosion of shared values and the activities of criminal elements.

 

 

Yuguda, in his remarks, stressed the need for collective responsibility in restoring peace.

 

He stressed, “This is not just about agreements on paper; it is about rebuilding trust, restoring our shared heritage, and ensuring that criminal elements no longer divide our communities.”

 

The communiqué issued at the end of the meeting which copy was shared with Arewa PUNCH highlighted the devastating impact of the crises, including the economic disruption and humanitarian challenges, while also pointing to the role of cross-border criminal networks in fueling violence.

 

In a major resolution, both parties agreed to an immediate cessation of hostilities and the disbandment of armed groups, with a commitment to hand over identified criminal elements to security agencies.

 

“We have resolved that enough is enough. Any individual found engaging in criminal activities will be treated as a criminal, regardless of background,” a participant at the meeting stated.

 

The stakeholders also agreed to strengthen collaboration with security agencies to ensure impartial enforcement of the law while calling for an end to unlawful arrests, harassment and extortion of community members.

 

As part of long-term solutions, the meeting endorsed the revival of traditional conflict resolution mechanisms, particularly the Barna Assessment and Settlement System, to handle disputes and compensation issues.

 

Participants further resolved to facilitate the immediate and unconditional return of internally displaced persons, as well as the restoration of properties to their rightful owners.

 

On security coordination, the meeting recommended the establishment of joint vigilante and surveillance teams, alongside closer collaboration with neighbouring states, especially Benue, to tackle cross-border crimes.

 

The meeting also approved the creation of key committees, including those on IDPs return, boundary security and migration control, and dispute resolution to ensure effective implementation of resolutions at all levels.

 

In a symbolic highlight of the gathering, the Ter Taraba, Zaki David Gbaa Tela, declared an end to the conflict on behalf of the Tiv people, while Alhaji Muhammad Mafindi Danburam made a similar declaration for the Fulani community.

 

“We are committed to immediate and permanent peace. Our people must return to living together as brothers,” Danburam said.

 

Our correspondent reports that ex-governor Mallam Isa Yuguda formally presented the report of the peace meeting to Governor Agbu Kefas who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Chief Gebeon Timothy Kataps at the TY Danjuma House in Jalingo before leaving the state.