Worried by continued crisis between Jukun and Tiv communities along the border corridors of Benue and Taraba States, Governors of both states have met in Lafia Nasarawa State, to find lasting solutions to the crisis.
As part of resolutions reached at the end of the meeting, both governments were asked to identify and apprehend militia groups suspected to be residing in the two states and hand them over to security agencies for necessary action.
The meeting also called on the Federal Government to ensure the demarcation of the boundary of the two states and facilitate the implementation of all the resolutions jointly arrived at by the two state governments to permanently resolve the crisis while palliative measures should be provided to the displaced persons by the two states.
According to a communique signed at the meeting, participants deliberated, among other issue, the persistent attacks at the border communities and condemned in strong terms the wanton destruction of lives and property and therefore resolved that there should be cessation of hostilities from all parties to pave way for return of displaced persons.
The governors of the two states were asked to meet with traditional rulers in the frontline communities and sensitize them on the need to live in peace.
“The sensitization should include effective communication by use of mass media and ensure the return of the displaced people to their various homes.”
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The two governors were encouraged to meet as a matter of urgency within one month and arrangement should be facilitated by the Governor of Nassarawa State.
The communique also stated that all the displaced persons in Taraba state should be allowed to return to their homes as soon as possible under the supervision of security personnel in view of the up-coming raining season.
The communique further stated:
“That even though the Benue state Government did not initiate the land litigation in Chonku but in the interest of peace the Deputy Governor of Benue state should play mediatory role by talking to the litigator and the two Deputy Governors should further meet and resolve the matter.
“That the two state governments should ensure massive deployment of security forces for intensive patrol and surveillance of the affected communities to checkmate the excesses of criminals and enforce law and order to allow the displaced persons to return.
“That the two states should take deliberate steps to implement all the resolutions which were reached at previous meetings as a step towards ending the crisis.”
The Next Edition reports that the mediation and joint security meeting, which was to deepen the efforts of the governors of the two States for enduring peace had critical stakeholders in attendance including the Deputy Governors of Benue and Taraba States, Mr. Benson Abounu and Haruna Manu respectively, their host, Governor of Nassarawa State, Abdullahi Sule and his Deputy, Emmanuel Akabe among others.
