Many involved in and affected by the Jukun-Tiv conflict in Taraba State have spoken out against recent statements that significant peace talks are underway, calling them false and based on nothing more than speculation.
Friday saw the group’s statement expressing its disagreement with the mounting optimism being expressed by mediators and government officials. They claim that, especially for the displaced Tiv populations, the so-called “peace efforts” have not resulted in any real change.
They pointed out that the Taraba State Government has not shown any signs of actual action or ongoing commitment, despite the fact that meetings and public pronouncements have been ongoing.
“For those directly affected, the situation remains largely unchanged beyond these optics,” the statement stated.
One major concern voiced by those with a stake in the matter was the apparent unwillingness of Taraba State authorities to fully own up to the situation.
They contended that the state ought to take a strong stance in resolving the internal issue, which involves long-standing communities, instead of placing excessive emphasis on foreign mediation initiatives that have failed to produce enduring outcomes.
The displaced Tiv people have also voiced their displeasure with the security services, claiming that military deployments in particular have prevented them from going back to their ancient homelands. Rather than promoting peacebuilding, they argued, this gives the impression that force is being employed in ways that could reinforce displacement.
The statement stressed that any true reconciliation process must start with the safe and unconditional return of displaced persons, coupled with assurances of protection and justice, and that “peace cannot be built on exclusion or enforced through restriction.”.
The group went on to cast doubt on when the peace engagements resumed, implying that there was a correlation between the upsurge in political activity and the increasing media coverage of operations.
The statement, which was signed by Vincent T. Tortsugh on behalf of victims and concerned residents, expressed worry that these kinds of initiatives tend to disappear as political constraints subside, which can leave communities exposed and breed distrust.
The stakeholders’ main demands included the following: the establishment of enforceable measures, deadlines, and accountability systems; the abolition of restrictions on displaced persons; and peace initiatives that are driven by the state’s obvious political intent.
The Tiv people have stated again that they are not against peace, but that past efforts to achieve it have been ineffective because they have ignored systemic injustices.