Tiv Group Calls for Sustained Peace in Taraba State
The highest decision-making body for the Tiv in Taraba State, Ijir Tamen, has called on state authorities to sustain ongoing peace efforts in the face of rising insecurity.
Ijir Tamen made the appeal on Sunday after conducting its fifth expanded stakeholders’ meeting in Bali Local Government Area. During the gathering, attended by traditional rulers, religious leaders, political appointees, youths, women and opinion leaders, the group praised Agbu Kefas, Governor of Taraba State, for recent measures aimed at containing violent attacks, including recent herdsmen assaults on Tiv communities in the Chanchanji ward of Takum Local Government Area. According to the group, those actions have helped restore confidence among affected communities.
Beyond expressing support for the governor, Ijir Tamen urged him to sustain the momentum to ensure lasting peace across Taraba. The group also appealed for stronger collaboration between the Tiv and neighbouring ethnic communities, citing that improved inter-ethnic cooperation would enhance security, promote good neighbourliness, and support development across the state.
In its official communiqué, signed by its leaders, including Chief Dr. David Akever Gbaa Tela, Ter Tiv Bali II, and the General Secretary Zaki Targema Ukange, the group urged Tiv residents to remain vigilant and to promptly share useful intelligence with security agencies given the country’s heightened security situation.
They also called on the state to address the plight of internally displaced Tiv persons, especially those from Wukari Local Government Area, who are yet to return to their homes. As a measure to facilitate reconciliation, they proposed the formation of a joint negotiation committee comprising persons of integrity and indigenes from both Tiv and the other ethnic communities.
Additionally, Ijir Tamen raised concerns over low political participation among Tiv, particularly in rural areas—and resolved to form a political-education committee aimed at sensitising and mobilising families ahead of the 2027 general elections. The group also condemned rising cases of early marriage among young Tiv girls, urging parents to prioritise girl-child education. Finally, given that a majority of Tiv in the state are engaged in farming, the group advised diversifying economic activities by adopting improved agricultural practices to boost productivity and income.
With this call, Ijir Tamen signals a commitment to a renewed peace agenda, combining support for government action, community vigilance, socio-economic reforms and inclusive politics, in a state long beset by intercommunal tensions.