Taraba Benue Governors solicited for peace among Tiv, Jukuns

EMMANUEL AWARI ,Jalingo

Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku and his Benue State counterpart, Samuel Ortom, have assured to support the peace move among the Tiv and Jukun nations of both States.

The two Governors made their positions known during a peace forum initiated by Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama and the Most Rev Fr. James Bature, held at the Federal University, Wukari in Taraba State on Friday.

Daily Champion reports that the Peace Forum, initiated by the two clergies, was to ensure socio-cultural and economic development among the Tiv and Jukun tribes of both States.

Speaking, Governor Ortom lauded the efforts of Bishop Ignatius Kaigama and Fr. James Bature for using their friendship to cement the Tiv/Jukun relationship and promote peace among the people.

Ortom stated that there was no basis for fighting between Jukun and Tiv as the two tribes have lived together since the days of Benue Plateau State.

Benue Governor further commended the revolution in the traditional institution in Taraba by Governor Ishaku and called for the recognition of Tivs in Taraba by giving them Chiefs in the state as it was done in Benue for the Jukun.

Also speaking, Gov Ishaku called for peaceful coexistence among the people as no one knows how he came into the world and how he would exit and must therefore, work and live in peace with one another.

Darius Ishaku however, challenged those in the academics to come out with well researched books on topics that would enhance peace and promote good neighbourliness in the country.

Highlight of the occasion was the public presentation of a book “Tiv-Jukun Relationship: The Model of a Jukun Bishop and a Tiv Priest,” written by Bishop Ignatius Kaigama, the Archbishop of the Catholic Diocese of Jos and the Most Rev. Dr. James Bature, a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi.

Kaigama, a Jukun and Bature, a Tiv priests had met in the seminary over 40 years ago and have since maintained a good friendship which they have decided to document into a book to promote unity and love among their different ethnic groups.

The occasion was also graced by traditional rulers from Taraba and Benue as well as religious leaders from the two states.

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