Jukun vs Tiv: Ortom declares position, tells warring communities what to do

Jukun vs Tiv: Ortom declares position, tells warring communities what to do

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has called for peace and understanding between Jukun and Tiv communities on the border of Benue and Taraba States.

The border communities have witnessed crisis recently forcing many people to flee their homes.

Ortom condemns the conflict which has led to loss of some lives and destruction of property, rendering many innocent people homeless.

In a statement to BABA NEWS on Thursday, Governor Ortom said he and his Taraba State counterpart, Governor Darius Ishaku have taken far-reaching measures to end the conflict and restore lasting peace to the border communities.

He appealed to the people of the affected communities to support the peace initiatives of governments of the two states to prevent further conflicts in the area.

Governor Ortom also urged Jukun and Tiv in particular to emulate the example set by their sons, the Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of the Catholic Diocese of Jos and Most Reverend Father James Bature whose peacebuilding efforts have immensely contributed to settling the age-long rivalry between the two ethnic groups spread across Taraba and Benue States.

He pointed out that there is no alternative to peace, which was why he promptly directed his Adviser on Security to visit Taraba State shortly after the unfortunate incident where he held meetings with key stakeholders including the Aku Uka of Wukari, as well as Chairmen of Ukum (Benue) and Wukari (Taraba) local government areas.

He sympathized with victims of the crisis and gives assurance that security agencies have been directed to apprehend perpetrators of the violence for prosecution.