The governors of Taraba and Benue States, Agbu Kefas and Reverend Fr. Hyacinth Alia, have met with traditional leaders from both states to address the insecurity plaguing their communities. The meeting, which took place in Chancangi, Taraba State, and Abako, Benue State, on Monday aimed to find a lasting solution to the crisis between the two states.
The governors assured the displaced persons of their commitment to ensuring the security of lives and properties in the region. They also promised to provide relief materials to alleviate their suffering and facilitate their return to their homes.
The Aku Uka of Wukari, Ada Ibi Ali, emphasized the need for proper coordination among the communities to live peacefully with each other and sustain the peace mantra. His counterpart, the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, enjoined the two states to collaborate and maintain their brotherly and sisterly relationships.
Hon. Justin Typusuu, in a welcome address on behalf of the Tiv people in Taraba from Chancangi Ward of Tarkum Local Government Area, appreciated the high-profile visit by the Benue governor and his Taraba counterpart, describing it as comforting.
They appealed to the Taraba governor, to facilitate the return of over 90,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their ancestral homes, expressing their appreciation for the governor’s policies and programmes, and pledged to continue supporting him.
The community further appealed to the government to restore electricity to Kufai Amadu and stimulate economic activities in the area. They expressed gratitude to the Tor Tiv and Aku Uka of Wukari, the duo chairmen of traditional rulers, for their paternal roles during the crisis, and prayed that the legacy of peace would endure beyond this generation.
The meeting underscores the commitment of the Taraba and Benue state governments to addressing insecurity in the region and fostering peace and stability among the communities.
