Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
In a landmark development for conflict resolution, Tiv and Fulani leaders in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State have formally signed a peace agreement to end years of violent clashes between their communities.
The reconciliation process was mediated by Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), during a high-level meeting at the brigade headquarters in Jalingo.
Gen. Uwa described the accord as a critical achievement of the military’s dialogue-based peacebuilding strategy
The agreement brought together Gassol LG Chairman Abubakar Usman, traditional rulers, community elders and security agencies, Both communities vowed to reject violence, deny sanctuary to criminals, and maintain open communication channels.
Gen. Uwa emphasized that sustainable development requires peace, urging all parties to become “ambassadors of reconciliation” and trust the legal system rather than resorting to self-help. He particularly commended Chairman Usman’s instrumental role in mobilizing stakeholders.
Chairman Usman hailed the agreement as “a timely intervention” that would rebuild fractured relationships, while community representatives expressed readiness to work with security forces through intelligence sharing to prevent future conflicts.
The ceremony concluded with both sides signing the peace accords and pledging full implementation of its terms, marking a new chapter of coexistence in Gassol. Security forces will monitor compliance with the agreement as part of ongoing stabilization efforts in Taraba State.
