The leadership of the Tiv ethnic group in Taraba has again called on the state government to as a matter of urgency fashion out plans that will facilitate the immediate return of all displaced Tiv people to their ancestral lands.
The group made the call via a communique issued at the end of the maiden Taraba Tiv summit, held in Jalingo, during the weekend.
They also condemned the killings, maiming and destruction of valuables belonging to the Tiv in the state.
Jointly signed by the chairman Central Planning Committee, Rev. Fr. Simon Akuraga and the Secretary, Justin Tyopuusu, the group called on religious leaders of the Tiv extraction to intensify efforts towards generate learning programmes that would promote peace, unity and progress among the Tiv people.
While encouraging the promotion of social justice, alternative dispute resolution and the diversification of the Tiv economy through entrepreneurship and vocational skills, empowerment of women and youths for a more peaceful prosperous Tiv society, they frowned at recent upheavals that erupted among the Tiv community in Takum council.
Stressing that the Tiv people are open to acceptable political alliances that will uplift or emancipate them, they raised the need for people to actively participate in all political processes.
The Tiv in Taraba has in the past been enmeshed in challenges including communal clashes which have not only led to massive loss of lives and property but also compelled several members of them to flee their areas of domiciles.
At the time of filing this report, efforts to return those who fled their ancestral home as a result of the crisis have turned into a mirage, due to the alleged lukewarm attitude of the government to wade in.
