Concerned parties and victims of the ongoing Jukun-Tiv conflict in Taraba State have rebuffed recent claims that serious progress is being made toward peace, condemning such claims as deceptive and unsupported by ground realities.
In a statement released on Friday, the group stated that it does not share the increased optimism expressed by officials and mediators. According to them, what is commonly referred to as “peace efforts” have failed to produce meaningful results, notably for displaced Tiv villages.
They stated that, while meetings and public comments continue, there is little sign of meaningful action or long-term commitment from the Taraba State Government.
Beyond these optics, the reality for people immediately affected has remained virtually unchanged, according to the statement.
The stakeholders recognized a fundamental issue: Taraba State authorities’ apparent reluctance to fully accept responsibility for the catastrophe.
They claimed that the issue, which was internal and involved long-established groups, should be resolved decisively within the state rather than relying primarily on external mediation attempts that have failed to provide long-term outcomes.
They also expressed alarm over the participation of security forces, claiming that deployments, particularly those involving the military, have prevented displaced Tiv people from returning to their ancestral villages. This, they claim, gives the impression that force is being employed in ways that may reinforce displacement rather than facilitate peacebuilding.”Peace cannot be built on exclusion or enforced through restriction,” the statement emphasized, adding that any meaningful reconciliation process must begin with the safe and unconditional return of displaced persons, as well as assurances of security and justice. The group also questioned the timing of fresh peace talks, implying a relationship between increasing political activity and greater media attention surrounding interventions. The declaration, signed by Vincent T. Tortsugh on behalf of concerned citizens and crisis victims, warned that such efforts have historically faded when political constraints eased, leaving communities vulnerable and developing mistrust. Among their primary requests, the stakeholders called for peace initiatives supported by clear political will inside the state, the elimination of restrictions on displaced persons, and the implementation of enforceable measures, timetables, and accountability systems.Reiterating that the Tiv people do not oppose peace, they stated that prior approaches have failed to address underlying injustic
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