By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
A retired military intelligence officer, politician, and philanthropist, Hon. Nahum Tsokwa, has called for lasting peace between the Jukun and Tiv communities in Rafin-Kada, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, urging residents to embrace unity and cooperation for the growth of the area.
Speaking during a community peace and unity gathering held in Rafin-Kada, Hon. Tsokwa emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in addressing insecurity and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“The issue of insecurity is everybody’s business,” Tsokwa stated. “This country has given me so much, and I believe it’s my duty to give back to my community. It’s better to stop a crisis at its early stage than allow it to grow. I came to ensure all factions come together, discuss, and live in unity.”
As part of his peace initiative, Hon. Tsokwa distributed relief materials and cash grants of ₦50,000 each to 20 beneficiaries, alongside food items to support elderly women and youths from both communities. He said the gesture was aimed at fostering reconciliation and rebuilding trust among residents.
Tsokwa further revealed plans, in collaboration with his political mentor, Chief David Sabo Kente, to make the Jukun–Tiv unity meeting an annual event, reinforcing inter-community harmony and dialogue. He also urged the government to be more proactive on security matters by providing logistics and fueling patrol vehicles to enhance security surveillance in the area.
Representing the Tiv community, Wase Terlumun lauded the peace initiative, describing unity as vital to the survival of Southern Taraba and the state at large. He appealed to political leaders to “fear God in their dealings” and prioritize peace, warning that conflicts only breed hatred and destruction among the younger generation.
Also speaking, the Rafin-Kada youth leader, Mr. Dantani Danjuma, representing the Jukun community, lamented recent attacks along the Wukari–Rafin-Kada road by armed militias. He said despite several protests and appeals, killings and ambushes persist, preventing farmers from freely accessing their farmlands.
The Chairman of Wukari Local Government, Hon. Samaila Dauda, who attended the event, expressed sadness over the rising insecurity in his domain. “It pains me to see that someone’s motorcycle was snatched by militias and later the person was killed,” he said. “We’ve deployed anti-kidnapping teams and I personally support their patrols. I’ve also requested motorcycles from the state government to enhance security patrols along the Wukari–Rafin-Kada road.”
A security representative who attended the event on behalf of the Nigerian Army, but requested anonymity, stressed that lasting peace requires strong cooperation between security agencies and the local populace. He urged residents to promptly report suspicious activities and support the security personnel stationed in their communities.
The event concluded with the distribution of cash and relief materials by Hon. Tsokwa to both Jukun and Tiv residents, symbolizing a renewed commitment to peace, tolerance, and mutual coexistence.
