Taraba Gov’s Interaction With Tiv Delegation: Gov Kefas Misquoted – Barr Jime
By Echo Express
A prominent Tiv Leader in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, Barr Jime Yongo says the Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas was misquoted regarding his recent comments during a meeting with a Tiv delegation based on the social media reports.
Barr Jime Yongo
Barr Jime Yongo made the clarification in a Statement titled “REJOINDER: SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON GOVERNOR AGBU KEFAS’ CHRISTMAS INTERACTION WITH THE TIV PEOPLE IN WUKARI”.
“My attention has been drawn to a publication circulating on social media and attributed to Comrade Musa Jankada, which falsely alleges that His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas, the Executive Governor of Taraba State, declared non-intervention in the killings and displacement of Tiv people in the state.
“In the interest of truth, public clarity, and the collective pursuit of peace, it has become necessary to set the record straight.
“On Wednesday, 24 December 2025, Tiv traditional leaders, political appointees, women and youth leaders from Wukari Local Government Area paid a traditional Christmas homage to His Excellency at TY Danjuma House, Wukari, during the Governor’s Christmas visit to his hometown. “I was privileged to serve as the leader of the Tiv delegation and was physically present throughout the engagement.
“The interaction between the Governor and the Tiv people was cordial, respectful, and marked by warmth, humour, and mutual goodwill. At no point did His Excellency make statements suggesting hatred, indifference, or disregard for the lives and wellbeing of Tiv people. Rather, his remarks were repeatedly met with applause, cheers, and visible affirmation from those present.
Barr Jime Yongo described as deeply unfortunate an engagement intended to strengthen trust, unity, and peaceful coexistence has been selectively interpreted and mischievously presented in a manner that distorts both its spirit and content.
“For the avoidance of doubt, careful and repeated listening to the audio recording of the Governor’s address confirms that His Excellency never stated that he “does not care” about the killings of Tiv people, nor did he declare any form of non-intervention. Instead, he made a clear and heartfelt call for collective responsibility in the pursuit of peace. In his exact words, the Governor stated:
_“I welcome all of you, our brothers… All of us need peace, and nobody can sell this peace to us, and we cannot go and buy it; we need to create it by ourselves through compromise, negotiation, persuasion and prayers.”_
He further emphasized:
_“We need to create the peace for ourselves. Nobody can sell peace to us. Nobody from somewhere can give us peace. We need to work for peace through compromise, negotiation, dialogue, persuasion and prayers. I am a Jukun man, but Governor of all, so I am wearing two caps.”_
According to Barr Jime Yongo, these statements clearly underscore inclusiveness, shared responsibility, and the Governor’s commitment to governing Taraba State without ethnic or religious bias.
In further illustration of his personal commitment to unity and equity, His Excellency stated:
_“I have Tiv people I am catering for, paying their school fees. I have sent one of them to London; I have not sent any of my family members to study in London.”_
On issues of land, leadership, and coexistence, the Governor explained:
_“There is no Tiv man that will not go back to where they were living, but we need cooperation and time… As a government, if there is need to take land from people, I must provide a better alternative… I want us to live together. Let us learn how to trust ourselves. We don’t trust each other. Someone must take the risk to lead the unity process. Let us sit down and change our approach.”_
When taken in full context, the Tiv Leader stressed that these remarks reflect a call for patience, dialogue, trust-building, and reconciliation rather than confrontation.
“His Excellency also outlined concrete actions already taken by his administration, including the deployment of security forces, particularly the military, following the unfortunate incident in Chanchanji, Takum Local Government Area. It is on record that security presence has been sustained in Chanchanji and other flashpoints to restore calm and prevent further escalation. Tiv elders who visited Chanchanji during the Christmas period have independently confirmed the seriousness with which the crisis is being addressed.
Barr Jime Yongo, who is the Senior Special Assitant to the Governor on Legal Matters, noted that the Governor further explained that the establishment of military Forward Operating Bases in Wukari, Karim Lamido and Nigeria-Cameroon border are aimed at blocking security leakages along the borders with Benue, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Gombe, and Cameroon, and not for land grabbing or discrimination against any group.
“It must therefore be stated categorically that the claim attributed to His Excellency, suggesting indifference or non-intervention is a gross misrepresentation of facts, an imaginary fabrication, and a dangerous piece of misinformation that should be disregarded by all fair-minded and peace-loving citizens.
“In further demonstration of his inclusive leadership, the Governor stated plainly:
_“Yes, I am a Jukun man, but when it comes to Jukun and Tiv, I am wearing two caps.”_
He also referenced his long-standing relationships with prominent Tiv leaders and institutions, including former Governor Gabriel Suswam, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, and the Tor Tiv, reaffirming his commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, and inter-ethnic harmony.
Barr Jime Yongo believes that at this delicate moment, Taraba State requires restraint, truthfulness, and responsible communication from all stakeholders. Peace in the state remains a shared responsibility, and no individual or group should be allowed to undermine ongoing efforts through misinformation, inflammatory narratives, or reckless publications.
“We therefore urge the public to disregard reports that inflame suspicion and deepen divisions.
“In the same spirit of dialogue demonstrated by His Excellency, we respectfully propose the establishment of a joint peace committee comprising respected Jukun and indigenous Tiv leaders. Such a platform would help develop a practical framework for trust-building, reconciliation, and the resolution of long-standing grievances._
“This path, anchored on dialogue, mutual respect, and shared responsibility, offers the most credible hope for sustainable peace and coexistence in Taraba State”.
