By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
Taraba State University, through the Department of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, in collaboration with the Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management, has announced plans to hold its maiden National Conference on Violent Conflict and Peacebuilding in the state.
Dr. Buhari Shehu Miapyen, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, and Dr. Amos Jev, Head of Department, disclosed this during a press conference in Jalingo, noting that the initiative aims to support the state government with actionable policy recommendations aligned with sustainable peace and development goals.
The committee said the conference seeks to amplify indigenous and community-based peacebuilding mechanisms that have historically played stabilising roles.
“Considering the impact of violent conflicts, communal clashes, and criminal insecurity—which have strained intergroup relations and undermined socio-economic development across several communities—we will be hosting scholars, civil society organizations, security practitioners, community stakeholders, traditional and religious leaders, policymakers, development partners, and students from across Nigeria and beyond, from 8th to 11th December 2025 in Taraba State.
“Together, we will critically examine the dynamics of conflict and peacebuilding in Taraba State, past, present, and future.”
They explained that the conference aims to generate evidence-based knowledge on the drivers, patterns, and consequences of violent conflict in the state, strengthen indigenous peacebuilding systems, and support the government with practical policy inputs. It will also foster collaboration among institutions and individuals working toward peace and provide a platform for emerging researchers to contribute to the state’s evolving peace and security architecture.
The committee lamented that for many years, Taraba State—rich in ethnic diversity, abundant natural resources, and cultural heritage—has faced significant security challenges. It also condemned the recent killings in Karim-Lamido and Takum LGAs.
However, it commended the efforts of Governor Agbu Kefas, whose administration, they said, has enhanced security over the last twenty months.
“Governor Kefas’ strategic governance approach—including improved community engagement, strengthened collaboration with security agencies, proactive conflict-management measures, and renewed investment in youth empowerment and local economies—has fostered a sense of renewed hope and unity across Taraba.
“Communities previously burdened by tension are gradually recovering, displaced populations are finding pathways to resettlement, and citizens can now conduct economic and social activities with greater confidence.
“This transformation marks a turning point worth strengthening, consolidating, and sustaining. It is within this context that the forthcoming national conference becomes both timely and necessary.”
They noted that the themes of the conference will cover a wide range of contemporary security and peace studies issues, including climate change and resource conflict, farmer-herder relations, governance and security reforms, gender and youth in peacebuilding, media narratives, cross-border instability, displacement and humanitarian challenges, and local peace initiatives.
“We aim to bridge the gap between academic research and practical policy action.
“Our commitment is to ensure that the growing peace in Taraba State is not merely observed but nurtured through well-informed decisions and inclusive frameworks that leave no community behind,” the committee stated.
