Jukun/Tiv Crisis: Over N14 billion lost in Southern Taraba, as Gov. Ishaku vows to resolve conflict

By Bala Dan Abu

The Chairman of the Seven-man Judicial Commission of Enquiry into the crisis between the Tiv and their Neighbours in Taraba State, Retired Justice Kummai Aka’as has described the damage done by the crisis as monumental.

Aka’as disclosed this on Tuesday when a report of the Commission of Enquiry was presented to Governor Darius Ishaku at Government House Jalingo.

He said the damage done by the crisis was worth more than 14billion Naira.

The retired Justice emphasized the need for the quick demarcation of the boundary between Taraba and Benue states as a step towards achieving peace between the Tiv and their neighbours in the State.

Justice Kummai, also explained that the report submitted to the state government was entirely based on the findings of members and that there was no attempt by Governor Ishaku or any other interests to influence the job of the commission.

He therefore, appealed to all stakeholders to do whatever necessary to bring an end the crisis that consumed many lives and properties.

Speaking after receiving the report, Governor Darius Ishaku thanked members of the commission for finishing their assignment in record time.

He said, the crisis between the Tiv and their Neighbours in Taraba State has been on since 1991 and promised that his administration would do everything within its powers to resolve it.

He also joined in the call for the demarcation of the boundary between Taraba and Benue states.

The Governor further promised to act decisively on the report of the Commission, assuring members that they would discover at the end that he did not bring them to waste their time.

However, Ishaku emphasised the need for all persons residing in Taraba state to be law abiding and resist any temptation to be teleguided by outsiders to cause chaos.