The Nigerian Army has facilitated the signing of a peace agreement between feuding Tiv and Fulani communities in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State, in a move aimed at ending longstanding hostilities and fostering peaceful coexistence.
The Commander of 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke, Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Uwa, spearheaded the initiative during a high-level meeting held on Tuesday at the Brigade Headquarters in Jalingo.
The meeting brought together traditional leaders, community elders, and other stakeholders to deliberate on lasting solutions to the recurrent communal clashes between the two ethnic groups.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Capt. Olubodunde Oni, the peace initiative underscores the military’s commitment to employing non-kinetic strategies in conflict resolution and community engagement.
Gen. Uwa, in his remarks, condemned the cycle of violence and warned against taking the law into one’s hands, stressing that no individual or group has the legal right to enforce justice outside the provisions of the law.
He called on all stakeholders to be advocates of peace, unity, and development, emphasizing that security, growth, and prosperity could only be achieved through mutual respect and cooperation.
The warring parties agreed to promote regular dialogue, shun violence, and refrain from protecting criminal elements within their communities. They also pledged to provide timely information to security agencies and work together to prevent further conflict.
The Chairman of Gassol Local Government Council, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, commended the Nigerian Army and Brig.-Gen. Uwa for their commitment to peacebuilding and for the sacrifices made by troops in maintaining security in the area.
The meeting concluded with the formal signing of a peace pact by representatives of the Tiv and Fulani groups, with a collective resolve to uphold the agreement and collaborate with relevant authorities for its full implementation.
