Taraba Peace Bureau Marks Anniversary, Advances Plan for Localised Conflict Management Framework

Taraba Peace Bureau Marks Anniversary, Advances Plan for Localised Conflict Management Framework
 
By Christiana Babayo
 
The Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management has marked its first anniversary with a strong commitment to institutionalising conflict management structures at the grassroots level across the state.
 
Speaking at the anniversary press briefing, the Chairman of the Bureau, Bishop Innocent Solomon, said the agency’s focus in its second year would be to entrench sustainable peace mechanisms within local government areas.
 
“For the last one year, we have prioritised multi-stakeholder engagement. We identified individuals and organisations already involved in peace work in the state and engaged them. They are willing to collaborate with us to ensure a peaceful and secure Taraba.” He said.
 
He disclosed that the bureau also engaged political appointees mandated by government to mediate and manage conflicts in various communities, noting that they have been sensitised and are working closely with the bureau to strengthen peacebuilding efforts.
 
Highlighting grassroots efforts, Bishop Solomon said that during a recent visit to Wukari, the bureau advocated for the establishment of peace committees at the local government level to serve as structured platforms for dialogue and early conflict resolution.
 
According to him, the local government chairmen agreed to set up the committees to deepen peacebuilding initiatives.
 
The Chairman further revealed that lessons from a study visit to the Plateau State Peace Agency have influenced the bureau’s next steps, particularly in the area of early warning systems. He explained that community-based platforms would be created to detect and address tensions before they escalate.
 
“We also learned the importance of working closely with security agencies,” he said, noting that some conflicts are driven by criminal elements who benefit from instability.
 
“We must address such issues from a security perspective as well.” He noted.
 
Earlier, a bureau member Shadrach Irimya Gani expressed appreciation to Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas for establishing the bureau in February last year and for his continued support. He described the governor as a leader with a strong commitment to peace in Taraba State.
 
Gani added that members of the bureau have undergone training in conflict sensitivity, conflict management and peacebuilding to enhance their effectiveness.
 
He noted that the bureau recently visited Gassol and Wukari Local Government Areas to sensitise stakeholders on its mandate.
 
Also speaking, Bridget Twar described the development and launch of the bureau’s strategic plan as a major milestone in its first year.
 
The plan, she said, was launched with the Chief of Staff to the Governor in attendance and later presented to the governor, Dr Agbu  Kefas who expressed satisfaction with the document.
 
Twar further disclosed that recently, the bureau successfully hosted an interstate peace conference in Wukari, bringing together participants from Benue State, Nasarawa State and Taraba State with support from GIZ and Spring.
 
As it enters its second year, the bureau says it will intensify capacity building efforts, establish early warning systems across communities and ensure each local government develops a conflict management strategy to provide structured dialogue during times of tension.
 
With one year of foundational work completed, the bureau says it is now focused on embedding sustainable peace structures at the grassroots to promote lasting stability across Taraba State