Clergy laments lack of peaceful coexistence among tribes in Taraba

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

A clergy of the Roman Catholic Mission, Very Rev Father Simon Akuraga, has lamented the deteriorating peaceful coexistence amongst tribes in Taraba State, especially between Tiv and Jukun ethnic groups in the State.
The Rev Father was presenting a paper titled ‘Exploring the Frontiers of Peace and Security by Tiv of Taraba State’, at the occasion of the celebration of Silver Jubilee of Tiv Traditional leadership in Bali local government area of the State.
He lamented that the deteriorating peaceful coexistence between Tiv and Jukun has turned sour only in the recent time, leading to massive destruction of lives and property worth millions of naira.
The reverend father recalled that the Tiv people coexisted peacefully with other tribes in Taraba State until the coming of the colonial administrators particularly in 1990s when the relationship between the two ethnic groups worsen, leading to displacement of many people and years of suffering in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camps.
He stressed the need for the waring parties in the state to embrace peaceful coexistence and always show love for one another, reiterating that peace was not just the absence of conflict, but also the presence of justice.
The clergy advocated for positive parenting, promotion of youth engagement and economic empowerment as well as formation of peace committee through which peaceful coexistence could be sustained.
“Again, there is need to extend our hands of fellowship to the displaced brethren morally and physically. Faith Organizations such as the Catholic church are doing their best but we need the support of all.
“We also need to facilitate for the return of displaced people to their ancestral homes. The inability of people to return to their ancestral homes and access their farm lands not only threaten our livelihood but also weakens our identify and unity as a people”, he added.