05/10/2026
BUREAU RELEASES COMMUNIQUÉ, CALLS FOR DIALOGUE AND INCLUSIVE PEACE IN SOUTHERN TARABA.
JALINGO, TARABA STATE — The Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management has released a communiqué calling for stronger justice, accountability, inclusive governance and sustained dialogue to address the effects of violent conflicts in Southern Taraba and neighbouring communities.
The communiqué followed a Reflective Dialogue with Cultural Development Associations from Southern Taraba held in Jalingo on September 24, 2026, to commemorate the International Day of Peace. The dialogue was held under the theme, “Invest in Peace for Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
Participants reflected on the effects of conflict and insecurity, including displacement, loss of livelihoods, damaged social relationships and weakened trust among communities. They stressed that sustainable peace must go beyond the absence of violence and should be built on justice, equality, dignity, accountable governance and respect for diversity.
The communiqué called for transparent implementation of outstanding recommendations from judicial panels, commissions of inquiry, White Papers and other lawful processes relating to inter-communal violence in Southern Taraba. Participants also urged prompt and impartial investigations into alleged perpetrators and improved access to justice, psychosocial support and compensation for survivors where applicable.
On governance, participants called for fair representation and non-discrimination at state, local government, ward and community levels. They also recommended strengthening traditional institutions as platforms for dialogue, mediation, reconciliation, early warning and community dispute resolution, in line with human rights and the rule of law.
The participants identified land, boundaries, natural resources and livelihoods as major areas requiring sustained attention. They urged the Federal Government and the governments of Taraba and Benue states to pursue peaceful and participatory processes for resolving outstanding boundary concerns and improving resource management.
On security, the communiqué called for stronger civilian protection, improved intelligence gathering and accountable security operations, particularly in conflict-prone, rural and border communities. Participants also urged coordinated action against small arms proliferation, kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, trafficking and other forms of organised violence.
The dialogue also focused on internally displaced persons, with participants insisting that any return or relocation must be voluntary, safe, dignified, informed and sustainable. They called for coordinated support covering shelter, livelihoods, education, healthcare, psychosocial services and civil documentation.
Participants recommended regular and inclusive dialogue involving government institutions, traditional and faith-based organisations, civil society groups, women, youth, professional associations and community leaders. Particular emphasis was placed on sustained engagement between Tiv and Jukun stakeholders in communities affected by conflict.
The communiqué further called for stronger community-based Early Warning and Early Response systems across vulnerable areas of Southern Taraba. Such systems, participants said, should involve traditional rulers, women and youth representatives, religious leaders, farmers, herders, teachers, civil society organisations, local government officials and security agencies.
Women and young people were identified as critical actors in peacebuilding. Participants called for greater opportunities for women to serve as leaders, mediators and negotiators, while urging increased access for young people to skills development, entrepreneurship, decent livelihoods, civic participation, sports, arts and digital innovation.
The communiqué also urged media organisations, journalists, political actors, religious leaders, social media users and community influencers to avoid unverified information, inflammatory language, stereotypes and hate speech. Media practitioners were encouraged to adopt accurate, balanced and conflict-sensitive reporting.
For effective implementation, participants proposed the establishment or strengthening of a multi-stakeholder peace and security coordination mechanism for Southern Taraba. The platform is expected to bring together government, traditional institutions, women, youth, civil society, religious leaders, security agencies, farmers, herders and displaced persons.
The participants reaffirmed their commitment to building a Southern Taraba where people can live in safety, dignity and mutual respect. They called on government authorities, communities, security institutions, traditional and religious leaders, civil society, the media and development partners to work together to prevent violence, address grievances peacefully, strengthen accountability and promote inclusive development.