FROM NAHUM SULE, JALINGO

The military has successfully convened a stakeholders’ security meeting, resulting in a historic peace pact to address longstanding communal tensions in the Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Consequently, it issued a stern warning against further violence, and urged all parties to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Captain Olubodunde Oni, the two-day meeting was prompted by recent clashes between the Fumang and Illela communities, triggered by disputes over land and territorial boundaries.

The conflict had escalated, causing damage to farmlands and injuries, with the potential to draw in neighbouring communities.

Uwa’s timely intervention brought together key stakeholders from the Old Muri Chiefdom to chart a path toward lasting peace.

During the meeting at the Headquarters of 6 Brigade in Jalingo, the state capital, the Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, in his opening address on June 3, dropped warning to end violence.

“Peace is the collective responsibility of all. We will leave no stone unturned in securing our communities and ensuring that dialogue, rather than violence, becomes the tool for conflict resolution,” Uwa said.

The first day of the meeting provided a platform for representatives of the affected communities to voice their grievances and propose solutions.

To ensure broader representation, the session was adjourned to June 4, allowing additional traditional and local government stakeholders to participate.

The reconvened meeting saw the attendance of prominent figures, including: Chairman of Karim-Lamido LGA, Hon. Britus Danjos; State Director of Chieftaincy Affairs, Benjamin Baissa; and Emir of Old Muri, Alhaji Abdullahi B. Village heads from Zib, Fumang, Katluu, Illela, Belango, Angwan Kanbari, and Baranda also joined the discussions.

The intensive deliberations culminated in the signing of a comprehensive peace pact, which commits all parties to respect territorial boundaries, adhere to the rule of law, promote peaceful coexistence, and establish regular community dialogues to prevent future conflicts.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers and stakeholders, Abdullahi hailed Uwa’s efforts as “a historic intervention and the first of its kind in the history of Karim-Lamido.”

He pledged the full support of community leaders in upholding the agreement and warned that violators would face legal consequences.

The successful outcome of this initiative underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to fostering peace and security through collaboration with local communities and stakeholders in Taraba State.