Preacher and peace advocate, Rev. Gideon Para-Mallam, has stated that the persistent ethnic and religious conflicts in Taraba State, pose a barrier to peace and development in the state.
Speaking during a town hall meeting in Wukari Local Government Council, Rev. Para-Mallam called on stakeholders to collaborate in addressing the deep-seated divisions threatening the peace and development of the state.
The meeting brought together representatives from religious, traditional, political, and women’s groups from Wukari, Takum, and Ussa Local Government Areas, aiming to foster dialogue and understanding amongst the people of the state.
“Taraba has endured its fair share of divisions, driven by religion, inter-ethnic tensions, and chieftaincy disputes. These factors remain the primary trigger for conflict in the three council areas we assessed,” Rev. Para-Mallam stated.
Highlighting the work of the Gideon-Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation, he introduced ‘Project Zamanlafiya Taraba’, an initiative aimed at promoting collaboration and sustainable peace amongst diverse communities.
As part of this effort, he announced the formation of conflict management support groups in the three council areas to strengthen advocacy and peace-building at the grassroots level.
“These groups are designed to empower local communities to take ownership of the peace process by addressing conflicts at their roots. Our mission is to spread the message of peace and ensure that stakeholders in these three local government areas lead the charge in fostering inter-faith and inter-ethnic harmony,” he explained.
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Participants at the town hall meeting including Christian and Muslim leaders, youth organizations, and political representatives, pledged their commitment to working together for lasting peace in Taraba South and the state at large.
Supporting Rev. Para-Mallam’s initiative, Justina Achiken, the women leader of the Jukun Youth Cultural and Development Association, stressed the importance of inclusiveness in peace building.
“Women often bear the brunt of conflicts, but they also play crucial roles in reconciliation and community healing,” she remarked.
The meeting signals a growing momentum for peace in Taraba State as stakeholders rally behind efforts to resolve longstanding divisions and build a unified society.
