Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has urged the leadership of Tiv and Jukum tribes of Benue and Taraba states to sheathe their swords and seek ways to resolve their differences without further bloodshed.
Recently, hundreds of people, including a Catholic Priest, Rev Fr. David Tanko, died as a result of renewed hostilities between both ethnic groups.
In a statement signed by his media aide, Pastor Bayo Oladeji, CAN President, Rev Samson Ayokunle, noted Thursday that the leadership of both ethnic groups were largely Christians but expressed worries over their alleged reluctance to embrace peace.
Ayokunle said: “We appeal to the leadership of both Jukum and Tiv in Taraba and Benue states to sheathe their swords and embrace peace as no society can develop without peace, tolerance and harmony.
“From all indications, the two warring parties are still agitated and reluctant to give peace a chance. Worried by this sad and unfortunate development, we urge the two warring factions to end the crisis.
“We had expected them, as Christians majorly, to come together in unison and resolve their differences, no matter how bitter they are, as commanded us by Jesus Christ who is the Prince of Peace
“Travelling on Wukari and Katsina-Ala highways have become dangerous and suicidal as travellers who belong to either of the tribes are arrested, killed or set ablaze.
“We urge the leaders of Tiv and Jukum to, as a matter of urgency, convene peace meetings among all relevant stakeholders with a view to finding lasting solution to the feud.”
Ayokunle assured that CAN, as the umbrella body of all Nigerian Christians, was working in the background to reconcile the two warring tribes.
“We seize this opportunity to appeal to the federal and state governments to accelerate the process of an enduring peace process in which CAN is ready to be involved.
“We need to remember that violence and bloodletting will not benefit any of the warring parties; rather, it is the people, states, entire country and humanity that are at loss,” he added.
