Insecurity: Stakeholders propose comprehensive peacebuilding frameworks for Taraba

Stakeholders at the National Peace Conference on Violent Conflict and Peacebuilding in Taraba State have called for comprehensive peacebuilding frameworks that combine indigenous conflict-resolution practices with modern governance systems. 

The conference was organised by the Department of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Taraba State University, in collaboration with the Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management.

The event created space for reflection on the drivers of violent conflict in Taraba and the search for a sustainable approach to peace.

In a communiqué signed by Dr. Buhari Shehu Miapye, Dr. Nsemba Edward Lenshie, Dr. Gabriel Yina, Hon. Oliver Sunday and Mr. Jeetendra Shehu, stakeholders also highlighted the need to strengthen early warning and response mechanisms. They added that youth empowerment through skills development, entrepreneurship and economic support should be prioritised.

Participants commended the Taraba State Government for its role in promoting security and peace, especially through the Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management and its collaborations with traditional rulers, security agencies and community actors.

They noted, however, that persistent conflict flashpoints such as Karim Lamido and Takum Local Government Areas require more strategic action due to recurring tensions and violent incidents.

Stakeholders also underscored the importance of hybrid security governance, where formal security structures work alongside community-based safety systems to build trust and improve responsiveness in areas prone to violence.

They stressed that “Participate suggested that building climate resilience and promoting sustainable resource management was crucial to reducing competition over land and water. The conference advocated for institutionalizing regular multi-stakeholder dialogue platforms, enhancing the justice system to ensure accountability, and expanding peace education across schools and higher institutions.”

Another section of the communiqué noted that “Participants also recommended increased investment in security infrastructure, community policing, intelligence gathering, and initiatives that encourage cross-community cultural exchange, while media practitioners were urged to uphold responsible reporting standards and counter misinformation.”

Stakeholders further stated that “Throughout the deliberations, the conference underscored the central importance of inclusive stakeholder engagement as a foundation for lasting peace. Participants stressed that peace efforts must reflect the perspectives of all segments of society—across ethnic, religious, gender, and age lines. In particular, the need to amplify the voices of marginalized groups such as women, youth, persons with disabilities, and remote rural communities was highlighted as essential to building durable peace.”

They also emphasized the need for stronger participatory governance structures and effective early warning and response systems. According to them, sustained collaboration among traditional institutions, religious leaders, community-based groups and security agencies remains key to building trust and shared responsibility.

This was echoed in the communique, which added: “The discussions called for strengthened platforms for participatory governance and early warning and early response mechanisms, along with sustained collaboration among traditional institutions, religious leaders, community-based organizations, and security agencies to foster trust and collective responsibility”.

On the root causes of violent conflict in Taraba, the conference identified competition over “land, water, and grazing resources”—made worse by climate change, population pressure and environmental stress—as a major driver of clashes between farmers and herders.

Ethnic mistrust, historical grievances, boundary disputes, weak governance, political manipulation, unemployment and poverty were also listed as contributors to recurring violence.

Participants raised concern over misinformation and inflammatory content on social media, especially during tense political periods. They also noted that miscommunication among religious groups and weaknesses in the justice system, including delayed prosecution of offenders, fuel division and impunity.

They warned that “The conference noted the disturbing trends in the evolution of violent conflicts across the state. Localized clashes, attacks, and reprisal incidents have become more frequent in various Local Government Areas, and farmer–herder conflicts have grown increasingly complex, often involving more sophisticated weaponry. Rising incidents of banditry, kidnapping, and insecurity along highways have introduced new layers of instability.”

The conference concluded by reaffirming the urgency of tackling the underlying drivers of conflict in Taraba. Participants urged government institutions, civil society, traditional leaders, security agencies and development partners to increase their commitment to building a peaceful and stable state.

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