Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State and Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State have assured displaced residents in southern Taraba of enhanced security presence, relief support and sustained government intervention to enable their safe return home.
The pledge followed a high-level peace meeting held Monday at the Wukari Local Government Council aimed at addressing the prolonged insecurity affecting several border communities in the area.
The meeting brought together senior government officials, security heads and traditional rulers from both states. Participants described it as a key step toward rebuilding trust and strengthening cross-border cooperation to restore stability.
Speaking at the forum, Governor Alia said he led the Benue delegation to deepen collaboration with Taraba authorities and traditional institutions in pursuit of lasting peace.
He stressed that sustainable peace can only be achieved through collective effort and mutual understanding between the two states. Alia also highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in conflict resolution and grassroots peacebuilding.
Governor Kefas reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring calm across affected communities, describing the joint engagement as a demonstration of strong political will to tackle insecurity decisively.
After the meeting, both governors visited Abako and Chanchanji, where displaced persons are currently taking shelter. They reassured the internally displaced persons (IDPs) of improved security deployment, prompt distribution of relief materials and continued humanitarian assistance to support their safe and dignified return.
Officials said the visit forms part of broader efforts to promote unity, strengthen inter-state collaboration and entrench sustainable peace in volatile border areas.