The governors of Taraba State and Benue State, Agbu Kefas and Hyacinth Alia, convened a high-level peace meeting with traditional rulers in Wukari to address rising insecurity along their shared border.
The meeting, held in Kefas’ hometown of Wukari Local Government Area, aimed to restore calm in communities affected by killings, displacement, and property destruction. Recent attacks by suspected herders have been reported in Takum, Donga, Ussa, and Wukari in southern Taraba, as well as adjoining border communities in Benue.
Speaking at the meeting, Kefas emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two states to end the violence and rebuild trust among residents. “We’re committed to tackling insecurity head-on and ensuring sustainable peace,” he said, describing the engagement as a demonstration of political will against criminal elements.
Alia stressed that lasting peace requires collective responsibility, particularly the involvement of traditional institutions. “Lasting peace can only be achieved through collective efforts and mutual understanding between the two states,” he said, noting the central role of traditional rulers in conflict resolution and grassroots peacebuilding.
During his visit, Alia met with the Aku Uka and the Taraba State Council of Chiefs Chairman, Ishaku Adda Ali, to seek royal support for the peace initiative. The delegation also included the Tor Tiv, who highlighted the plight of Tiv communities affected by the crisis.
The governors conducted on-site assessments of the humanitarian situation in border communities including Abako in Benue and Chanchaji in Taraba, where internally displaced persons (IDPs) are taking refuge in public structures after fleeing repeated attacks. Many residents were forced to abandon their farms, their primary source of livelihood.
Both leaders assured IDPs of enhanced security, provision of relief materials, and sustained government intervention to facilitate safe returns. They pledged to strengthen inter-state collaboration, improve intelligence sharing, and deploy coordinated security operations to flush out criminal elements along the corridor.
The joint engagement marks one of the most coordinated political responses in recent times to the lingering border crisis, with both governors committing to ending unchecked banditry and restoring normal socio-economic activities in affected communities.
