TheCable

Jukun, Tiv and Fulani communities in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State have signed a peace agreement to end ongoing clashes in the areas.

The agreement was signed at a meeting presided over by Acting Governor of the state, Alhaji Garba Umar, and Paramount Ruler of Wukari and Chairman, Taraba Traditional Council, Dr Shekarau Angyu.

Umar promised the communities that the government would pay compensation for property destroyed, and also continue to provide relief materials for the internally displaced persons.

”We thank God that the major tribes involved in the crisis have decided to give peace a chance by calling us to witness the signing,” NAN quoted him as saying.

”The state government will help in looking for the cows and other items that were missing during the crisis, so that peace will return permanently to the Wukari tribes and other parts of the state.”

Those who signed the agreement on behalf of their people are Mr Zando Hoku, state chairman of Jukun Cultural Association; Mr James Nungwa, state chairman, Tiv Cultural and Development Association; and Alhaji Mafindi Danburam, state chairman Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association.

Heads of security agencies in the state, traditional rulers in the affected communities, and youth groups were also in attendance.

With the peace deal, the curfew imposed on Wukari now runs from 4 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Crisis broke out in Wukari on April 15, 2014 after youths in the area protested alleged killings in the surrounding villages by suspected herdsmen which left over 50 persons dead and property destroyed.

NAN