Displaced Tiv Residents of Wukari Appeal to Governor Kefas for Dialogue and Return

Internally displaced Tiv people from Wukari Local Government Area in Taraba State, now taking refuge in Benue State, are pleading with Governor Agbu Kefas to grant them an opportunity for direct dialogue about their plight and a path back home.

Their appeal was made by Peter Achibo, the leader of the displaced group, during a phone interview with journalists on Thursday.

“We want the governor to understand why it is important for us to return to our ancestral homes in Wukari and live normal lives again. We are his people, displaced by conflict, now living like wild animals in camps,” Achibo said.

Years of Displacement, No Access to Basic Services

Achibo expressed deep concern over the deteriorating conditions in the IDP camps, especially for children who have been growing up in isolation, cut off from education, healthcare, and a sense of normalcy.

“Extended displacement without social services is damaging our people, especially our children. They’re growing up with a distorted sense of society,” he noted.

A Call for Reconciliation, Not Retaliation

While acknowledging that the worst of the conflict may be behind them, the displaced Tiv community stressed the urgent need for reconciliation, dialogue, and reintegration.

“Crisis has come and gone; what we need now is reconciliation to pave the way for lasting peace,” Achibo stated.

He warned that continued neglect of the displaced population could deepen ethnic tensions and threaten future efforts toward peaceful coexistence in Wukari.

Ready for Dialogue, Committed to Peace

Achibo affirmed that the community is ready to embrace peace and support development, but they need a platform to be heard.

“We know that violence benefits no one. There’s no better time than now to make amends. We are ready for peaceful dialogue that will lead to our safe return and bring progress to our community.”

The group urged the Taraba State Government to prioritize their reintegration and back initiatives aimed at healing and rebuilding trust among communities.