Taraba Peace Bureau Urges Lau Residents to Embrace Peace, Support Investment Drive
By Christiana Babayo
The Director General of the Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management (TSBPCM), Bishop Innocent Rubiruka Solomon, has called on residents of Lau Local Government Area to support government efforts aimed at attracting investors to the area, stressing that peace and cooperation are essential for economic growth and development.
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Bishop Solomon made the appeal during a Town Hall Meeting held in Lau as part of the Bureau’s ongoing statewide peace sensitisation campaign.
According to him, Lau is endowed with vast arable land and other natural resources that make it an attractive destination for agro-allied industries and other investments capable of transforming the local economy.
He noted that the establishment of such industries would create employment opportunities for thousands of young people and stimulate development across the area and the state at large.
The Peace Bureau chief explained that the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas has demonstrated a strong commitment to creating an enabling environment for investors interested in harnessing Taraba State’s economic potential. He added that maintaining peace and providing the necessary support to prospective investors would accelerate development efforts.
Reflecting on the area’s history, Bishop Solomon lamented the recurring conflicts that had hindered development in Lau, noting that some victims of past crises remain displaced and struggle to rebuild their livelihoods.
He also recalled the security challenges that once affected even residents of Jalingo, the state capital, but commended Governor Kefas for implementing measures that have significantly improved the security situation across the state.
The Director General urged the various ethnic groups in the area to unite and work together for sustainable development. He explained that the Bureau’s visit was in line with Governor Kefas’ mandate to promote peace, unity, and harmonious coexistence among communities.
Bishop Solomon further disclosed that the Bureau has developed a five-year strategic plan, already approved and launched by the governor, aimed at drastically reducing conflicts across the state within the next decade.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Lau Local Government Council, Hon. Peter Julius Vau, applauded Governor Kefas for establishing the Peace Bureau and pledged the council’s full support for its activities.
He emphasised that maintaining peace and security is a collective responsibility that requires the involvement of government institutions, traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, and community members.
Welcoming the Bureau’s delegation, the council chairman assured participants that the people of Lau were prepared to embrace the message of peace and work towards strengthening harmony within their communities.
Hon. Vau also revealed that, upon assuming office, he appointed liaison officers for farmers and herders, including representatives in each ward, to monitor and report issues that could lead to conflicts between the two groups.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Farmers/Herders Affairs, Hon. Salisu Isa Abbare, stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding among residents.
Stakeholders at the meeting, including traditional rulers, women groups, security agencies, and community leaders, highlighted the need for unity, regular dialogue, mutual respect, and stronger interactions among people of different ethnic and religious backgrounds.
Participants also called for greater public awareness and consultation on government programmes and policies, while advocating increased inclusion of women and civil society organisations such as COMITAS in the Bureau’s peacebuilding initiatives.
In a vote of thanks, the Secretary to Lau Local Government Council, Mr. Andrew Clarkson Nariniba, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting and urged participants to take the message of peace back to their communities.
Earlier during a courtesy visit, Hon. Vau raised concerns over the growing spread of fake news, warning that misinformation could fuel tension and insecurity.
He recounted an instance in which false reports circulated by a journalist suggested that Lau was engulfed in violence over a farming dispute, a claim he described as misleading and potentially dangerous.
While urging journalists and social media users to verify information before sharing it, the chairman acknowledged that criminal activities remain a concern, citing the recent killing of two persons along the Kunini–Donada road.
Responding, Bishop Solomon reiterated the Bureau’s commitment to working closely with the council and community leaders to strengthen peacebuilding efforts and ensure lasting stability in the area.
