By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
The former Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda, on Thursday led a historic Peace and Reconciliation Meeting between Fulani and Tiv communities in Taraba State.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the meeting was convened to deliberate and chart sustainable solutions to recurring conflicts, particularly in Southern Taraba.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by Zaki David Gbaa Tela, leader of the Tiv Traditional Council in Taraba State, and Alhaji Muhammad Mafindi Danburam on behalf of the Fulani community, both parties unanimously agreed to embrace peace, citing over 200 years of coexistence. They also declared an end to hostilities between the Fulani and Tiv communities in the state.
“Parties have agreed to henceforth live in peace, while the immediate and unconditional return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) will be facilitated. Occupants of properties belonging to displaced persons are to vacate them immediately to allow rightful owners take possession.
“A joint vigilante and surveillance team, in collaboration with neighbouring states, particularly Benue State, will be established to tackle cross-border crimes,” the communiqué read in part.
According to the communiqué, the meeting observed a breakdown of socio-cultural values and rising tensions in recent times, noting that these developments have negatively affected lives, property, and socio-economic activities.
“The breakdown of socio-cultural values and increasing tensions in recent times have negatively impacted lives and property, and disrupted socio-economic activities. The presence of criminal gangs, including cross-border and external influences, has also been noted.
“All armed groups and criminal gangs in both communities are hereby banned. Identified gang leaders should be handed over to the appropriate authorities.
“There will be regular joint meetings between Fulani and Tiv leaders at all levels, while sensitisation campaigns aimed at restoring shared values and mutual respect will be carried out. All criminals must be treated strictly as criminals without bias or favouritism.
“There must be an end to harassment, extortion, and unlawful detention of herders and community members,” the communiqué continued.
The meeting recommended the establishment of a Rapid Response Situation Room for real-time security coordination and called for the inclusion of other affected ethnic groups, such as Jukun and Chamba, in peacebuilding structures.
It also expressed concern over previous cases of non-compliance with earlier peace agreements and urged all parties to strictly adhere to the newly agreed resolutions.
The meeting approved the establishment of the following committees:
IDPs Return Committee
Inter/Intra-Boundary Banditry and Migration Control Committee
Barna Assessment and Settlement Committee
The committees are to operate at village, ward, local government, and state levels, with inclusive representation from affected communities.
Additionally, the meeting recommended judicial intervention to review cases of unjust detention, prohibition of arbitrary land allocation without due consultation, introduction of regulated migration and land-use systems, and measures to curb cattle rustling and related crimes.
It further endorsed the use of traditional conflict resolution methods and the revival of the Barna Assessment and Settlement System to fairly address disputes and compensation.
Meanwhile, Zaki David Gbaa Tela and Alhaji Muhammad Mafindi Danburam commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Agbu Kefas for facilitating the peace meeting.
They described the effort as a significant step towards achieving lasting peace in Taraba State.
