The Tiv community residing in Taraba State are optimistic that the longstanding crisis between them and the Jukun ethnic group will soon come to an end under the leadership of Governor Agbu Kefas.

The bitter rivalry between the two tribes has resulted in extensive bloodshed and the destruction of property. Many villages and communities, especially within Wukari Local Government Council of the state, remain abandoned due to the violent attacks frequently carried out by militias from both sides.

The President General of the Tiv Culture and Social Association, Taraba state chapter, Joshua Ayagwa, spoke about the issue on Saturday in Jalingo, the state capital, and stated that “we are confident that our new governor will resolve the age-long crisis between the Tiv and Jukun in Taraba state.”

He encouraged his people to offer support to the Governor and highlighted Kefas’s military background as to why he had confidence in the Governor’s ability to bring the conflict to an end.

“My confidence in him is because of his unifying nature,” Ayagwa stated, adding that “his unifying nature and military background have convinced me that the unity among the ethnic groups in Taraba is assured.”

Furthermore, Ayagwa cited Governor Kefas’ initial appointments as proof that the Governor doesn’t believe in tribalism. He emphasized that “he has proven in the few appointments made so far that he has come to build Taraba and unite the people of the state”.