Tiv/Jukun crisis: Buhari issues directive

President Muhammadu Buhari has asked relevant federal government officials and agencies to intervene in the crisis between the Tiv and Jukun ethnic groups.

This was contained in a statement Tuesday night by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President.

It said Buhari’s directive followed appeal by Governors of Benue and Taraba States, as well as their traditional and political leaders for an urgent de-escalation of the situation.

The the two states have slated a meeting of stakeholders for tomorrow, Wednesday, at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Center, Abuja.

The statement said the meeting between the representatives of the two states has been called to resolve the lingering Tiv/Jukun crisis which has of recent, claimed lives of innocent persons and property.

“In addition to the two state governors, the meeting is expected to be attended by their traditional, religious and political leaders, as well as other stakeholders”, it added.

“The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, OSGF, is attending the meeting as a stakeholder and guarantor to assure full federal government backing for the implementation of resolutions arising from the meeting.”

A few days ago, President Buhari conveyed the importance of reducing tensions between the Tiv and Jukun neighbors and maintaining peace in the two states which had witnessed series of violent clashes.

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