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signal peaceful end to all communal crises in Nigeria
The Tiv and Fulani communities in Taraba State have taken a significant step toward attaining lasting peace, as their leaders in Gassol Local Government Council area have signed a peace accord to end the recurring clashes between the two ethnic groups.
A breakthrough in peacebuilding efforts which is a model for other states experiencing worrisome frequent intercommunal clashes, mostly bloody and deadly ones, the peace pact was formalised on Monday during a meeting held at the 6 Brigade Headquarters conference room in Jalingo.
The pact signals off the restoration of peace to all the troubled areas of Nigeria which, over the years are being ravaged by worrisome frequent intercommunal clashes claiming many lives and destruction of properties.
It was facilitated by the Commander of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, and Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa.
Uwa, who described the novel development as a “significant step toward lasting peace”, said the initiative falls under the brigade’s non-kinetic operations designed to promote dialogue, reconciliation, and community-based solutions to conflict.
The peace accord comes amid heightened tensions and long-standing disputes between the Tiv and Fulani populations in Gassol.
Responding, the brigade invited key stakeholders, including the Gassol Local Government Chairman, Abubakar Usman, traditional rulers, elders, and security officials, to deliberate on ways to foster peaceful coexistence.
At the forum, key stakeholders from the area, who included the council Chairman, Abubakar Usman, traditional rulers, elders, and security officials, deliberated on peaceful coexistence.
Uwa condemned the persistent communal violence, urging community members to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, and stressing the importance of the rule of law and mutual respect.
While condemning the recurrence of communal violence in the area, the Commandant cautioned against individuals or groups taking the law into their hands
He emphasized the rule of law and urged participants to serve as ambassadors of peace and development, noting that meaningful progress can only be achieved through unity and respect.
He called on all participants to become ambassadors of peace, stressing that genuine development can only occur in a united and secure environment.
Also he commended the LG chairman for his proactive role in mobilising support for the initiative and ensuring broad-based participation.
During the meeting, representatives from both the Tiv and Fulani communities agreed to renounce violence, reject the harbouring of criminal elements, and engage in open communication to resolve disputes.
They further pledged to cooperate with security agencies and share intelligence to forestall any potential outbreaks of violence.
Reacting to the outcome, Usman expressed satisfaction with the resolutions reached, praising the 6 Brigade for its unwavering commitment to peace in Gassol. He described the initiative as timely and crucial for rebuilding trust among the warring communities.
During the formal signing of the peace agreement, both sides reaffirmed their full commitment to implementing the resolutions and collaborating with authorities to ensure sustainable peace in the area.
Representatives of both ethnic groups resolved to abandon hostilities, embrace open communication, and reject the protection of criminal elements.
They also collectively pledged to work closely with security agencies and provide timely intelligence to prevent further conflict.
Overwhelmed by the decisions arrived at, the council chairman applauded the Nigerian Army, particularly troops under 6 Brigade, for their commitment and efforts in ensuring peace in Gassol, stressing that the initiative is timely and a vital step toward rebuilding trust and collaboration among the communities.
Both parties who signed a formal peace pact, affirmed their commitment to the resolutions and vowed to work with relevant authorities for their full implementation.
