The President General of the Tiv Culture and Social Association (TCSA) in Taraba State, Chief James Baka, has cautioned social media writers against making inflammatory statements capable of undermining ongoing efforts to restore peace in Tiv communities.
Baka gave the warning while addressing journalists in Jalingo, following a recent Facebook statement allegedly issued by one Orsankera Afaakaa.
The statement reportedly linked the Governor of the state, Agbu Kefas, and the monarch of Donga, Samvala Varzoa Shimbura, to the killing of Tiv people in Donga Local Government Area by suspected herdsmen.
The Tiv leader urged the public to disregard the statement, stressing that it did not originate from the association, which he described as the umbrella body of Tiv people in Taraba State.
According to Baka, only statements issued by the Tiv Culture and Social Association should be considered the official position of the Tiv community in the state.
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He also warned that unverified and provocative comments circulating on social media could derail ongoing peace-building initiatives being facilitated by the army, with support from the Taraba State government.
“This is a very sad development. On behalf of the Tiv community in Taraba State, I wish to disassociate our people from the statement credited to the so-called Orsankera Afaakaa,” Baka said.
He commended the security forces for their efforts in maintaining peace in southern parts of the state.
Baka further questioned the credibility of the individual behind the controversial statement, alleging that the person claiming to speak for Tiv people in Taraba was not even from the state.
“I urge the general public to disregard any statement issued henceforth in the name of the Tiv people that does not emanate from the Tiv Culture and Social Association in Taraba State,” he said.
He also called on social media users to desist from making “uncomplimentary and classified statements” that could undermine the peace process already underway.
