Constitute Joint Tiv-Jukun Committee To Facilitate Dialogue, Resettlement Of IDPs – Tiv Community Appeals To Taraba Gov
By Echo Express
The 5th Ijir Tamen, an expanded meeting of the Tiv people of Taraba State has ended in Bali, the administrative headquarters of Bali Local Government Area of the state.
The meeting which was held between the 26th and 29th November 2025, took place at the Tiv Traditional Leaders’ Council Hall in Bali.
The Ijir Tamen, which is the highest decision-making body of the Tiv people in the state, brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, political appointees, opinion leaders, as well as representatives of youth and women groups.
The Communique issued at the end of the meeting, commended the Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, for his efforts in addressing insecurity, particularly the recent herdsmen attacks on Tiv communities in the Chanchanji Ward of Takum Local Government Area.
It further urged him to intensify efforts to ensure that every community in the state remains safe for the collective good of the state.
The expanded meeting called for strengthened collaboration and peaceful coexistence between the Tiv and their neighbours, noting that such cooperation would enhance security, promote good neighbourliness, and foster development across the state.
The participants urged Tiv sons and daughters to remain security conscious and promptly share vital information with security agencies, given the heightened security challenges across the country.
They expressed concern over the low level of political participation among Tiv people, particularly those in rural areas.
It therefore resolved to constitute a committee that will embark on political education and orientation to encourage massive participation in democratic processes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The meeting frowned at the rising trend of early marriages among young girls in Tiv communities and encouraged parents to prioritise the education of their children, especially the girl-child.
The participants called on Tiv people, who are predominantly farmers, to diversify their sources of livelihood and reduce over-reliance on outdated agricultural practices.
“The meeting appealed to Governor Agbu Kefas to address the plight of displaced Tiv persons, especially those in Wukari Local Government Area who have yet to return to their communities.
It recommended the constitution of a joint negotiation committee comprising persons of integrity and indigenes of Taraba from both Jukun and Tiv communities to facilitate dialogue, resolve outstanding issues, and enable the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs)”.
The Communique was signed by Chief Dr. David Akever Gbaa Tela JP, the
Gumbegha U Tiv Taraba I, Ter Tiv Bali II, Chief James Baka, President General, Taraba Tiv Cultural and Social Association and Zaki Targema Ukange, General Secretary, Tiv Traditional Leaders’ Council.
