The Tiv Cultural and Social Association (TCSA) in Taraba State has called on displaced communities in Southern Taraba to embrace peace and support the efforts of government and security agencies aimed at restoring stability in the area.
The association warned that acts of violence and reprisals would only worsen the suffering already experienced by residents affected by the ongoing security challenges.
The call was contained in a press statement issued on Monday by the President General of the association, Chief James Bakah, and made available to journalists in Taraba.
In the statement, the association also commended the governors of Taraba and Benue States for their recent joint visit to communities affected by recurring attacks in Southern Taraba, describing the move as a significant step toward restoring peace and stability in the region.
Bakah said the visit by the governors came at a critical time when several communities in Southern Taraba have been grappling with persistent security challenges that have resulted in the loss of lives, displacement of families, and the disruption of farming activities.
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It would be recalled that the two governors recently visited internally displaced persons affected by incessant attacks in Wukari, Abako, and Chanchanji communities in Taraba State.
“The presence of the governors in the affected communities demonstrated responsible leadership and strengthened inter-state collaboration in efforts to restore peace,” Bakah said.
He applauded Governor Agbu Kefas for personally visiting the troubled communities, noting that the gesture reassured displaced residents of the state government’s commitment to protecting lives and restoring normalcy.
He also commended the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, for participating in the peace mission, saying the move underscored the shared responsibility of neighbouring states in addressing security challenges affecting border communities.
“The visit conveyed a strong message that peace, unity, and mutual coexistence remain the only sustainable path for communities in the region,” he explained.
Welcoming assurances given during the visit regarding the strengthening of security deployments in the affected areas to enable displaced persons to return safely to their homes and farms, he acknowledged the distribution of relief materials and other humanitarian assistance to victims of the crisis.
He described the intervention as a source of renewed hope for families that have endured months of hardship.
The association expressed appreciation to the Aku Uka of Wukari and Chairman of the Taraba State Council of Chiefs for his continued efforts in promoting peace through inclusive leadership, also commended the Tor Tiv and Chairman of the Benue State Council of Chiefs, Prof. James Ayatse, for his commitment to the peace and unity of the Tiv people wherever they reside.
Acknowledging the roles played by other traditional and religious leaders, including the chief of Takum, for their moral guidance and support for peace initiatives, the collaboration among the governors, traditional rulers, and religious leaders, as made known by them, represents a major step toward achieving lasting peace in Southern Taraba.
While urging security agencies to sustain the momentum created by the governors’ visit by ensuring effective protection of lives and property in the affected communities, he reaffirmed the commitment of the Tiv people in Taraba State to peaceful coexistence.
Bakah stressed that dialogue, understanding, and cooperation remain essential in resolving the crisis.
