Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of the Catholic Diocese of Jos; and The Most Rev. Dr. James Bature on Friday settled the age-long rivalry between the Jukun and the Tiv people in Taraba and Benue states.
Kaigama, a Jukun and Bature, a Tiv priest, had met in the seminary over 40 years ago and have since maintained good friendship despite the existing tribal rivalries between their people, which had resulted in a series of crises.
Speaking at the peace conference, Kaigama said they have decided to document their friendship experience in a book titled, ‘Tiv-Jukun Relationship: The Model of a Jukun Bishop and a Tiv Priest’ to bring their people together to for the peace and development of their area.
Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State and his Benue State counterpart, Dr. Samuel Ortom, who graced the occasion, pledged their support for the peaceful coexistence between the Tiv and the Jukun, as initiated by Kaigama and Bature for the socio-cultural and economic development of the two tribes.
Ortom, who thanked Kaigama and Bature for using their friendship to cement the Tiv/Jukun relationship and promote peace among the peoples, noted that there was no basis for any fight between Jukun and Tiv as the two tribes have lived together for centuries.
He commended the revolution in the traditional institution in Taraba by Governor Ishaku and called for the recognition of Tivs in Taraba by giving them Chiefs as it was done in Benue for the Jukun.
“We must do things that will unite our people and peace can only be sustained where there are equity, justice and fairness.
“We will continue to protect our people and our land for we were elected to do so.
“We will not fall for the intimidation of those who are doing everything to cow us.”
On his part, Governor Ishaku called for peaceful coexistence among the people and challenged those in the academics to come out with well-researched books on topics that would enhance peace and promote good neighbourliness in the country.
The Aku Uka of Wukari, Dr. Shekarau Angyu Masa Ibi, the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, the National President of the Community of Tiv Students and that of the Jukun, as well as other Tiv and Jukun stakeholders all, agreed to put aside their differences and work for the unity of Tiv and Jukun.
Our correspondent reports that 1000 copies of the book were distributed free to the people by the authors.
