The Taraba state government is worried about renewed hostilities between the Jukun and their Tiv neighbours in Kente and Rafinkada resulting in the death of five people.
Governor Darius Ishaku has consequently directed security agencies to end the violence in the areas.
Owolabi Adenusi reports that the crisis is a long standing feud between two communities over land ownership, as the warring communities are on opposing sides of the border between Taraba and Benue states.
They have been at loggerhead for decades with occasional misunderstandings causing violent clashes, further souring the relationship between the two communities. The latest violent clash between Jukuns and TIVs is what the governor is worried about.
Efforts by Taraba state government and the Benue state government towards finding a peaceful resolution has not yeilded much fruit as the two farming communities are still at logger heads.
The Deputy Governors of Benue and Taraba states have at different fora cautioned the rural dwellers against escalating the conflict. Their words have apparently fallen on deaf ears.
Government of Taraba state is confident that the efforts put in by the two states government will inevitably bring a lasting solution to the conflict.
The governor appeals to leaders in the communities to prevail on their people to discard their weapons and to cooperate with the security agencies in ensuring a restoration of peace among them .
Many believe more security measures should be put in place along the bordering communities ahead of this year’s farming season, in order to safeguard lives.
Others commended efforts put in place by the Taraba and Benue State governments in checkmating civil disorderness in the bordering communities.
The huge task before the federal government, Taraba and Benue states government will be to protect farmers in both states during the farming season, in order to guarantee a bumper harvest and boost food security in the country as a whole
