Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Taraba State chapter, has pledged to lead dialogue for the amicable resolution of the ongoing Tiv/Jukun crisis in the state.
New chairman of CAN in the state, Rev. Dr Isaiah Jirapye, made the pledge in a chart with journalists, on Tuesday, in Jalingo, the state capital.
He revealed that the state chapter of the association had already embarked on dialogue mission between the worrying tribes in other to find permanent peace and allow development to thrive in the state.
According to him, dialogue was the best step in saving the state from falling into conflagration, and solicited the citizens as well as worrying parties cooperation with CAN to succeed in it move.
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“I will prioritise dialogue that will lead to a permanent solution to the ongoing Tiv/Jukun and other forms of crisis in the state.
“Since my election on Saturday, I have been making necessary contacts for an immediate dialogue that would ensure an end to the hostilities among Taraba residents across religious and ethnic lines,” he said.
Jirapye, a senior pastor with the Christian Reformed Church-Nigeria (CRC-N), who was elected, on Saturday said CAN, under his leadership, would also pursue unity among Christians and Muslims to pave way for the development of the state.
He stated that the association would also put in place deliberate policies to enhance youths empowerment to discourage the young ones from been used as thugs by politicians.
He further revealed that the Taraba State chapter of CAN, in collaboration with Muslim council in the state, would soon organise a sensitisation seminar, periodically on issues of unity and development, just as he pledged to ensure a robust relationship with the government in order to offer advice where necessary for the good of the state.
