By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
Stakeholders in Taraba State, under the umbrella of the Tiv Cultural and Social Association and the Forum of Tiv Political Appointees, have called for sustained security efforts in the Chanchanji and Donga axis of Takum and Donga Local Government Areas to avert imminent attacks.
The stakeholders alleged that attackers were regrouping to launch fresh attacks on communities such as Ananum, Tor-Damisa, Peva, and Kofai Amadu.
At a press conference held on Thursday in Jalingo, Chief John Chihi Baka, President-General of the cultural association, speaking on behalf of the Tiv people in Taraba, appealed for sustained security operations in the affected areas to prevent the planned attacks and enable residents to safely return to their farms and livelihoods.
The stakeholders, however, commended President Bola Tinubu and Governor Agbu Kefas for their prompt intervention in the widely reported attacks on Tiv communities in Chanchanji ward of Takum LGA, describing the effort as both reassuring and encouraging.
“While we express our sincere appreciation to the Taraba State Government under the leadership of Dr. Agbu Kefas for the timely deployment of security personnel to our affected communities, we appeal for sustained security operations in Ananum, Tor-Damisa, Peva, and Kofai Amadu. We have gathered that attackers are regrouping to attack communities,” they said.
The Tiv stakeholders also noted that the presence of security operatives in the area has not only deterred further attacks but has also restored a sense of confidence among the people.
“For communities that have lived in fear for months, this renewed security presence is both reassuring and encouraging. The presence of security operatives has not only deterred further attacks but has also restored a sense of confidence among our people,” the group added.
While commending the Nigerian Armed Forces, especially the military and police, for their swift intervention in addressing security threats, the stakeholders said the prompt action helped to avert further escalation and provided timely relief to affected communities.
“While we commend these efforts, we respectfully call for the sustenance and possible reinforcement of the current security deployment in our communities such as New Gboko, Demevaa, Adu, and Gbundu. The gains recorded must not be allowed to diminish, as consistent security presence remains critical to preventing a relapse into violence,” they appealed.
They also thanked Governor Agbu Kefas for the relief materials extended to affected communities in Donga, Abako, and Chanchanji.
The stakeholders noted that the interventions have provided immediate support to displaced families and helped alleviate the humanitarian challenges faced by the people.
The groups assured of the Tiv people’s continued cooperation with security agencies by providing timely and useful information to sustain peace in the communities.
They pledged support for government efforts aimed at restoring peace and rebuilding affected communities.
“The Tiv people of Taraba State remain committed to supporting all government efforts aimed at restoring peace, rebuilding affected communities, and creating an enabling environment for development.
“We wish to assure the government of our readiness to partner with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the current momentum translates into lasting peace, progress, and development across Taraba State,” the Tiv leaders said.
