The Benue and the Taraba States government on Tuesday signed a peace accord in Nasarawa state to end tensions between Tiv-Jukun crisis.
This is contained in a statement signed by Engr. Haruna Manu and Engr. Benson Abounu, the deputy governors of Taraba and Benue states as well as Mr.Emmanuel Akabe, Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State on Tuesday at the end of the Joint Peace Conference on the Tiv-Jukun crisis.
The event, which was organized by Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, was attended by stakeholders from Taraba and Benue states.
Part of the communique on the Tiv-Jukun crisis read;
“Violence from all sides should be stopped to pave the way for the return of internally displaced persons.
“The governors of the two states should meet with traditional rulers in the region, and raise awareness of the need for peaceful coexistence.
“Intelligence should include effective communication using the media to ensure the return of people who have lost their homes to different homes.
“All those expelled in Taraba State should be allowed to return to their homes as soon as possible under the protection of security forces because of the impending drought.
“This should enable the governments of Benue and Taraba State to identify and arrest suspected Gunmen living in the two states and hand them over to security agencies for appropriate action.
“Even though the Benue State government did not initiate proceedings in Chonku but in the interests of peace the Deputy Governor of Benue should play a role in reconciling with the Deputy Speaker of the two Governors to meet and solve the problem.
“That the Federal Government to establish the boundaries of the two states and facilitate the implementation of all resolutions adopted by the two governments in resolving the crisis permanently.