By Tola Gbadamosi

In a renewed push for peace and stability across parts of Taraba State, the Commander of 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, has embarked on a series of strategic stakeholder engagements in Ardo-Kola, Lau, and Karim-Lamido Local Government Areas.

The week-long outreach is part of the Brigade’s non-kinetic approach to peacebuilding, aimed at strengthening community relations and preventing further communal clashes, particularly between farmers and herders, as the rainy season farming period begins — a time often fraught with land-use tensions.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Captain Olubodunde Oni.

The first engagement was held on 14 May 2025 at the Ardo-Kola Local Government Secretariat, where Brigadier General Uwa met with the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Zakari Ismail, alongside opinion leaders, elders, and youth representatives.

The session focused on reinforcing community ties, enhancing early warning mechanisms, and fostering greater collaboration with security agencies.

From 15 to 16 May 2025, the second phase of consultations took place at the 6 Brigade Headquarters in Jalingo, with representatives from the Bandawa, Munga, and Fulani communities in Karim-Lamido LGA.

The meeting followed a recent violent clash between farmers and herders, which claimed lives and displaced several families, now sheltered in an IDP camp in Lau LGA.

Among the resolutions reached was the groundwork for a formal peace accord, expected to be signed in the coming week.

The engagements culminated on 16 May with a stakeholder meeting in Lau LGA, hosted at the Local Government Secretariat.

In attendance were the Chairman, Hon. Nigeria Jatau, religious leaders, community influencers, and security personnel.

The dialogue centred on intercommunal trust-building and the need for collaborative security frameworks.

At each stop, Brigadier General Uwa commended stakeholders for their ongoing support and urged them to continue prioritising peaceful coexistence, which he described as crucial not only for community progress but for the prosperity of Taraba State and Nigeria as a whole.

“No meaningful development can occur in an atmosphere of conflict,” he stated.

“We are committed to peace, but let it be clear that the military will not tolerate any group or individuals bent on destabilising the region.”

In their separate remarks, the Local Government Chairmen praised the Brigade Commander’s proactive and people-oriented approach.

They highlighted the success of his previous interventions, especially during last year’s dry season, which significantly reduced tensions.

They applauded his commitment to dialogue over force, noting the long-term benefits being recorded in the region.

The 6 Brigade reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding law-abiding citizens and pledged to continue employing both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to maintain peace and stability throughout Taraba State.