By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
Stakeholders and participants at the just-concluded National Peace Conference on Violent Conflict and Peacebuilding in Taraba State, organised by the Department of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Taraba State University in collaboration with the Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management, have called for comprehensive peacebuilding frameworks that blend indigenous conflict-resolution practices with contemporary governance systems to mitigate violent conflict in the state.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the conference provided a platform for robust reflection on the dynamics of violent conflict in Taraba and the collective search for a sustainable framework for peace.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the conference and signed by Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Dr. Buhari Shehu Miapye; Dr. Nsemba Edward Lenshie (Secretary); Dr. Gabriel Yina; Hon. Oliver Sunday; and Mr. Jeetendra Shehu, stakeholders also suggested strengthening early warning and response mechanisms, alongside expanding youth empowerment initiatives through skills development, entrepreneurship, and economic support.
Participants commended the Taraba State Government for its continued role in promoting security and peace initiatives, particularly through the Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management and collaborative interventions with traditional rulers, security agencies, and community actors.
However, they emphasized that more concerted and strategic efforts are required to address persistent conflict flashpoints, especially in areas such as Karim Lamido and Takum Local Government Areas, where tensions and violent incidents continue to threaten community stability.
The communiqué also stressed the need to strengthen hybrid security governance by integrating formal state security structures with community-based safety mechanisms to enhance trust, coordination, and responsiveness in conflict-prone areas.
Participants noted that building climate resilience and promoting sustainable resource management are crucial to reducing competition over land and water. The conference further advocated for institutionalizing regular multi-stakeholder dialogue platforms, enhancing the justice system to ensure accountability, and expanding peace education across schools and higher institutions.
They also recommended increased investment in security infrastructure, community policing, intelligence gathering, and initiatives that encourage cross-community cultural exchange. Media practitioners were urged to uphold responsible reporting standards and counter misinformation.
Throughout the deliberations, the conference underscored the central importance of inclusive stakeholder engagement as a foundation for lasting peace. Participants stressed that peace efforts must reflect the perspectives of all segments of society—across ethnic, religious, gender, and age lines. In particular, the need to amplify the voices of marginalized groups such as women, youth, persons with disabilities, and remote rural communities was highlighted as essential for building durable peace.
The communiqué further called for strengthened platforms for participatory governance and improved early warning and early response mechanisms, along with sustained collaboration among traditional institutions, religious leaders, community-based organizations, and security agencies to foster trust and collective responsibility.
In examining the root causes of violent conflicts in Taraba State, the conference identified competition over land, water, and grazing resources—exacerbated by climate change, population growth, and environmental pressures—as a major driver of clashes, particularly between farmers and herders.
Participants also pointed to ethnic and communal mistrust, unresolved historical grievances, and contentious boundary disputes as underlying triggers of violence. Political manipulation, weak governance structures, contestations over leadership positions, widespread youth unemployment, and poverty were noted as additional contributors to conflict escalation.
They expressed concern about the rise of misinformation and inflammatory content on social media, especially during politically sensitive periods. Miscommunication among religious groups and a justice system weakened by delayed or insufficient prosecution of offenders were also cited as factors that deepen polarization and perpetuate impunity.
The conference noted disturbing trends in the evolution of violent conflicts across the state. Localized clashes, attacks, and reprisal incidents have become more frequent in various Local Government Areas, while farmer–herder conflicts have grown increasingly complex, often involving more sophisticated weaponry. Rising incidents of banditry, kidnapping, and insecurity along highways have introduced new layers of instability.
The conference reaffirmed the urgency of addressing the root causes of violent conflict in Taraba State through collaborative, transparent, and inclusive approaches. Participants called upon government authorities, civil society, traditional institutions, security agencies, and development partners to strengthen their commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Taraba State.
