Taraba–Benue Crisis: Kefas, Alia Launch Joint Peace Offensive to Secure Border Communities and Return IDPs Home

Governors pledge stronger security deployment, relief support as displaced families in southern Taraba await safe return

Agbu Kefas and Hyacinth Alia have moved to calm rising tensions along the Taraba–Benue border, promising reinforced security operations and urgent humanitarian support for communities displaced by protracted violence.

The two governors met on Monday at the Wukari Local Government Council in Taraba State for a high-level peace dialogue aimed at halting the unrest that has unsettled several communities in the southern part of the state.

Joint Strategy to End Border Violence

The meeting brought together senior government officials, security chiefs and traditional rulers from both states — a gathering described by observers as a deliberate effort to rebuild trust and deepen cross-border collaboration.

Governor Alia said his presence underscored Benue State’s commitment to working closely with Taraba authorities and traditional institutions to resolve the lingering crisis.

“Lasting peace can only be achieved through collective efforts and mutual understanding between our states,” he said.

He stressed that traditional rulers remain central to conflict resolution and grassroots peacebuilding, noting that durable stability must be anchored in institutions that command community confidence.

Governor Kefas echoed the call for unity, describing the joint engagement as a clear signal of political will to confront insecurity head-on. He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to restore calm across affected areas and prevent further displacement.

Visit to Displaced Persons Camps

After the peace meeting, the governors visited Abako and Chanchanji, where displaced residents are currently taking refuge.

They assured internally displaced persons (IDPs) of enhanced security presence in their communities, swift delivery of relief materials and sustained humanitarian assistance to enable their safe and dignified return home.

Officials said the intervention forms part of broader efforts to promote inter-state cooperation, strengthen security coordination and entrench lasting peace in volatile border communities between Taraba and Benue states.

The renewed partnership signals a shift towards coordinated governance in addressing insecurity — a growing concern across Nigeria’s rural border regions.