In a major step toward ending years of violent conflict, Tiv and Fulani communities in Taraba State have agreed on a comprehensive peace framework and declared an immediate ceasefire.
The resolution followed a high-level peace and reconciliation meeting convened by Governor Agbu Kefas at the gym hall of Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo.
The meeting brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies, government officials, and media representatives. It was presided over by Isa Yuguda, President of Tabital Pulaaku International.
In his remarks, Yuguda stressed the urgency of restoring peace, lamenting the prolonged violence that has resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property, and disruption of socio-economic activities.
Both communities acknowledged that they had coexisted peacefully for over 200 years before tensions escalated due to a breakdown in socio-cultural relations.
A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by Zaki David Gbaa Tela and Muhammad Mafindi Danburam outlined key resolutions, including an immediate cessation of hostilities and a commitment to dismantle criminal gangs and armed groups.
The parties also agreed to identify and hand over perpetrators of violence to security agencies for prosecution, while calling for strict adherence to justice and the rule of law.
The communiqué further demanded an end to harassment, extortion, and unlawful arrests of herders and community members, alongside a judicial review of cases involving alleged wrongful imprisonment.
On land and resource management, stakeholders resolved to promote regulated migration and structured land-use systems to curb cattle rustling and related crimes, while discouraging arbitrary land allocations without due consultation.
To sustain peace, three institutional mechanisms were established: the Barna Assessment and Settlement Committee, the Inter/Intra-Boundary Banditry and Migration Control Committee, and the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Return Committee, all to operate with inclusive representation at various levels.
Participants also called for the evacuation of illegally occupied properties and the unconditional return of displaced persons, as well as the revival of the Barna Assessment and Settlement System as a traditional conflict resolution mechanism.
Describing the agreement as binding, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to lasting peace, declaring an immediate and permanent end to hostilities.
They further recommended the creation of joint vigilante and surveillance teams, alongside a Rapid Response Situation Room to enhance real-time security coordination across affected communities.