Gov Alia Engages Stakeholders To End Cross-Border Conflict

Dialogue and peace-building at community level are current initiatives employed by Benue State Governor,  Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia in his ongoing efforts to resolve the deeply rooted multifaceted conflicts – including banditry, and armed herders attacks on border communities between Benue and Taraba States.

Rooted in indigene-Identity, land ownership,  and political competition, the Jukun – Tiv crisis is the major cause of civil unrest, primarily in Taraba State. It erupted periodically between 1990-1992, 2001-2002, and 2019-2020 causing significant loss of lives, displacement,  and economic destruction.

The strained relationship between these two communities is thought to have created openings through which bandits and armed herdsmen are now exploring to exert mayhem on vulnerable communities.

Tiv communities in Taraba State, particularly in the Southern zone (Takum, Wukari, and Donga Local Government Areas) are now experiencing a severe security crisis characterized by violent attacks, killings, destruction of property, and mass displacement, largely attributed to suspected armed herdsmen and bandits.

The fundamental necessity of establishing stability, security and harmony to foster development and economic growth called in a haste and the Governor of Benue, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia responded. He moved to hold a cross border security meeting with neighboring Taraba State.

Monday, March 02, 2026, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia and Dr. Agbu Kefas, the Governors of Benue and Taraba States respectively together with the chairmen of the traditional councils of the two states – Tor Tiv, HRM Orchivirigh Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse and Aku Uka of Wukari, HRH Manu Ishaku met in Wukari and devised ways through which they can address the persistent security challenges affecting border communities between the two states.

The leaders of the two states harped on the urgency of now, expressing willingness to put a stop to the persistent crisis. The Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse emphasized that God understands human hearts, loves unconditionally and works according to a higher, perfect plan rather than human logic.

He said God in His wisdom has brought together his servants from the two states of Benue and Taraba – Governor Alia of Benue is a Catholic priest, Governor Kefas of Taraba is a Rev’d pastor, the Tor Tiv is a Rev’d pastor, and the Aku Uka is also a Rev’d pastor, if these ordained servants of God cannot end the conflict now, there can be no better time to end it.

Governor Alia stated in clear terms during the meeting that: “We are here with the intent also to speak with my brother and my friend and my colleague, your Governor to see areas all of us can synergize, to seek some level of collaboration, to see what we will do to bring peace back to our people,  to our states, Taraba State and Benue State, to create ways that peace would be a common word as it was many years and many centuries before now”. To the Benue State Governor, the search for peace is what took him to Taraba State that moment.

– Isaac Uzaan is Principal Special Assistant (PSA) to the Governor of Benue State on Media and Content Creation