The Department of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution at Taraba State University, in collaboration with the Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management, has called on government institutions, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, security agencies, and development partners to join forces in restoring peace and stability in Taraba State.
The call was issued on Thursday in a communiqué released at the conclusion of a three-day National Conference on Violent Conflict and Peacebuilding held in Jalingo, Taraba State.
The conference convened academics, policymakers, traditional rulers, security agencies, civil society groups, youth and women’s organisations, religious leaders, community representatives, and international partners for what organisers described as a “robust reflection” on the state’s escalating conflict dynamics and the need for a sustainable peace framework.
Signed by Dr Buhari Shehu Miapyen, Dr Nsemba Edward Lenshie, Dr Gabriel Yina, Hon Oliver Sunday, and Mr Jeetendra Shehu, the communiqué expressed concern over the rising frequency and intensity of violence in Taraba, including clashes, banditry, kidnappings, highway insecurity, and the increasing use of sophisticated weapons.
According to the communique: “Delegates also warned about the dangerous spread of misinformation and inflammatory content on social media, particularly during politically sensitive periods, which they said has heightened tensions across communities in our dear state.”
The communiqué further highlighted the severe consequences of insecurity in the state, including loss of lives, destruction of homes and farmlands, mass displacement, repeated closure of schools and health facilities, disruptions in agricultural productivity, and broader economic setbacks. It noted that the psychological impact, particularly trauma and fear, affected women and children most.
“Ethnic mistrust, historical grievances, boundary disputes, political manipulation, weak governance, youth unemployment, and poverty as major drivers of conflict, delayed justice processes and miscommunication among religious groups were factors that have been deepening polarization and complicating peace efforts,” it stated.
To address these challenges, the conference recommended measures including strengthening hybrid security governance combining state and community-based systems; expanding early warning and response mechanisms; empowering youth through skills development and economic support; building climate resilience; and promoting sustainable resource management.
Other recommendations included institutionalising regular multi-stakeholder dialogue platforms, enhancing the justice system for fairness and accountability, integrating peace education into schools and higher institutions, investing in security infrastructure, community policing, intelligence gathering, cultural exchange programmes, and promoting responsible journalism while combating misinformation.
While acknowledging ongoing mediation efforts by the Taraba State Government and the Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management, participants stressed the need for deeper, more coordinated interventions, particularly in conflict-prone areas such as Karim Lamido and Takum.
“We commended traditional and religious leaders, civil society groups, security operatives, and international partners for their contributions to peace education, community surveillance, grassroots mediation, and reconciliation initiatives,” they stated in the communique.
