Military Brokers Peace Talks Between Fulani, Tiv Leaders in Benue

By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman

The Nigerian Military has brought together over 100 Fulani and Tiv leaders in Benue State in a renewed effort to end years of communal violence in the state.

The meeting, facilitated under the non-kinetic strategy of Operation Whirl Stroke, involved more than 50 Fulani leaders and over 50 Tiv leaders from affected communities.

Speaking with defence correspondents in Tatyough, Guma Local Government Area, the Commanding Officer, COAS Intervention Battalion XI, Lt. Col. Donatus Otobo, said the dialogue marked a turning point in the Army’s peace-building efforts.

Otobo said, “On Monday, January 19, we held a meeting with over 50 Fulani and more than 50 Tiv leaders. They are beginning to talk.”

He noted that although sustained military operations had reduced banditry and violent attacks, lasting peace could not be achieved through force alone.

According to him, the engagement brought Fulani leaders from border communities in Nasarawa State and Tiv leaders from Benue together to promote reconciliation, trust-building and intelligence sharing.

Otobo added that the Army was working closely with community leaders, local hunters and government officials to prevent criminal elements from exploiting ethnic tensions in the area.