Taraba, Benue Govs Meet to Tackle Insecurity in Border Communities

By Ben Adaji, Jalingo
Governors of Taraba State and Benue State have held a high-level security meeting in Wukari to address the lingering insecurity affecting border communities in both states.
The meeting was led by Agbu Kefas of Taraba and Hyacinth Alia of Benue, alongside senior government officials, security chiefs, and traditional rulers from both states. The deliberations focused on finding lasting solutions to recurring attacks and communal tensions in the affected areas.
On arrival in Wukari, Governor Alia paid a courtesy visit to the Aku Uka Ishaku Adda Ali, acknowledging the pivotal role of the traditional institution in fostering peace and stability within the region.
Governor Alia said he visited with the full Benue State Government team to deepen collaboration with Taraba in confronting shared security threats. According to him, as neighbouring states grappling with similar challenges, there is an urgent need for synergy to restore peace and safeguard lives and property.
He commended the Aku Uka for his sustained peace-building efforts, stressing that meaningful engagement with traditional rulers remains critical to achieving sustainable security across communities.
Governor Kefas described the joint meeting as a clear demonstration of both administrations’ commitment to ending the crisis. He announced that a joint committee would be established to implement the resolutions reached and ensure consistent follow-up actions.
Also speaking, the James Ayatse, emphasised the importance of peaceful coexistence between the people of both states. He urged stakeholders to prioritise dialogue, unity and mutual understanding in resolving disputes and preventing further escalation.
In his remarks, the Aku Uka expressed optimism that the meeting would produce tangible outcomes and offered prayers for enduring peace in the troubled communities.
The governors also visited internally displaced persons in Abako, Benue State, and Chanchanji, Taraba State. They assured affected residents of enhanced security measures, support for safe return to their ancestral homes, and the provision of relief materials to ease their hardship.
The engagement underscores renewed efforts by both governments to stabilise southern Taraba and adjoining communities in Benue through coordinated action, strengthened intelligence sharing, and closer inter-state collaboration.