The Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, has cautioned community leaders against making inflammatory statements or taking actions that could reignite tensions between the Tiv and Fulani communities in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.
General Uwa issued the warning yesterday during a conflict resolution dialogue convened to address persistent communal clashes in the area.
Highlighting the critical role of dialogue in resolving disputes, the commander urged leaders from both communities to embrace tolerance, forgiveness, and peaceful coexistence.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to supporting civil authorities through non-violent means. Enduring peace can only be achieved when communities actively participate and take ownership of the peace process,” he said.
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Speaking on behalf of the participants, the Chairman of Bali Local Government Council, Dauda Aboki, praised the Army for its proactive intervention and pledged the support of local authorities and community leaders in working closely with security agencies to maintain peace.
A significant outcome of the meeting was the signing of a peace pact by all participants. The agreement includes commitments to a zero-tolerance approach to criminal activities, respect for the rule of law, promotion of communal harmony, and the resolution of disputes through peaceful and legal means.
The dialogue, as observed by our reporter, drew political leaders, traditional rulers, youth representatives, and other stakeholders from both ethnic groups.
The discussions were also noticed to have been focused on practical strategies to address the recurring security challenges facing Bali Local Government Area.