Tiv Supreme Council in Taraba laud Gov Kefas over security, makes case for IDPs
Tiv Supreme Council in Taraba laud Gov Kefas over security, makes case for IDPs
By Sylvanus Viashima, Jalingo
The Tiv highest decision-making body in Taraba State (Ijir Tamen) on Sunday commended Governor Agbu Kefas for what it described as decisive steps in confronting rising insecurity, especially the recent herdsmen attacks on Tiv communities in Chanchanji Ward of Takum Local Government Area.
Rising from its 5th Ijir Tamen (expanded Tiv stakeholders’ meeting) held in Bali, in the Bali Local Government Area of the state, the Tiv group said the governor’s response had restored confidence among affected communities and urged him to sustain the momentum to guarantee lasting peace across the state.
The meeting, which brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, political appointees, opinion leaders, as well as youth and women groups, also stressed the need for stronger collaboration between the Tiv and neighbouring ethnic groups. It noted that improved cooperation with other ethnic groups would bolster security, deepen good neighbourliness and support development efforts in the state.
According to the communiqué signed by Chief Dr. David Akever Gbaa Tela, Gumbegha U Tiv Taraba I and Ter Tiv Bali II, alongside the General Secretary, Zaki Targema Ukange and made available to journalists, the group called on Tiv sons and daughters to be more vigilant and share timely intelligence with security agencies in light of the country’s heightened security threats.
“We want to commend the Governor of Taraba State, His Excellency Dr. Agbu Kefas, for his efforts in addressing insecurity, particularly the recent herdsmen attacks on Tiv communities in the Chanchanji Ward of Takum Local Government Area.
“On the part of our people, we want to urge Tiv sons and daughters to remain security conscious and promptly share vital security information with security agencies, especially given the heightened security challenges across the country.
“The meeting appealed to Governor Agbu Kefas to address the plight of displaced Tiv persons, especially those in Wukari Local Government Area who are yet to return to their communities.
“To address this challenge, the meeting recommended the constitution of a joint negotiation committee comprising persons of integrity and indigenes of Taraba from both Jukun and Tiv to facilitate dialogue, resolve outstanding issues, and enable the resettlement of internally displaced persons,” the communique read in part.
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The group also expressed concern over the low level of political participation among the Tiv, especially in rural communities. It resolved to set up a political education committee to sensitise and mobilise massive participation in democratic processes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The communiqué also condemned the rising cases of early marriage among young Tiv girls and urged parents to prioritise girl-child education, warning that the trend could threatened the future of Tiv communities.
With the majority of Tiv people engaged in farming, the meeting advised them to diversify economic activities and move away from what it termed “outdated agricultural practices” in order to improve productivity and income.
