Brigadier General Kingsley C. Uwa, Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), has delivered a strong warning to residents of Ibi Local Government Area in Taraba State, emphasizing that security agencies will no longer tolerate activities that could spark violence in the region.
Security Meeting Addresses Rising Tensions
The army commander issued this stern warning during a stakeholders' security meeting held on Wednesday at the Palace of the Chief of Ibi. General Uwa explained that the meeting became necessary due to increasing criminal activities and persistent communal tensions affecting multiple communities within the area.
The commander specifically condemned recent incidents where individuals prevented farmers from harvesting their crops, describing such actions as dangerous provocations that could lead to violent confrontations. He vowed that security personnel would now take decisive measures against anyone involved in such misconduct.
Traditional Rulers Held Accountable
Brigadier General Uwa reminded traditional rulers and community leaders of their critical responsibility in maintaining peace within their domains. He stressed that those found instigating unrest would face firm action from security forces without exception.
The security gathering, which was observed by our correspondent, brought together traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders, and representatives from various security agencies. Discussions focused on several emerging threats, including the influx of criminals from neighboring states, ongoing farmland disputes, illegal crop harvesting, and unresolved chieftaincy issues in communities such as Dampar, Tapga, Sarkin Kudu, and Gidan Kiye.
These problems have recently resulted in significant loss of lives and destruction of property across the affected areas.
Catholic Diocese Sounds Alarm on Southern Taraba Violence
In related developments, the Catholic Diocese of Wukari in Taraba State has issued another distress call to the Federal Government following a surge in violent attacks on farming communities in Takum, Ussa, and other parts of Southern Taraba.
According to a statement released to journalists on Thursday in Jalingo, Taraba State, more than 50 people have lost their lives in recent weeks due to various attacks. The appeal came after a three-day workshop on Pastoral Care and Counselling for Traumatised and Distressed Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) of the Diocese.
The statement, jointly signed by Very Rev. Fr (Professor) Anthony I. Bature (Vicar Administration), Very Rev. Fr Simon Akuraga (Chancellor), and Rev. Fr Moses Angyian (Chairman of the NCDPA), revealed shocking statistics about the long-term impact of violence in the region.
Over the past three decades, more than 3,000 people have been killed, with over 335 communities and churches destroyed and property worth billions of naira lost. The church also noted that more than 300,000 residents, mostly widows, children, and orphans, have been displaced from their homes.
The diocese accused armed herders of carrying out what they described as "marauding attacks" using sophisticated weapons, often taking over the homes and farmlands of displaced residents.
Several communities across Ussa LGA have also come under siege, including Kapsitswa, Kapsi, Waesi, Sati Tsinya, Wakan, Kwabu 1, and Kwabu 2. The diocese reported that over 40 people were killed in Takum and more than 30 in Ussa during the recent wave of violence.
