The Chairman of the Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management, Bishop Innocent Solomon, has expressed optimism that violent conflict in the state will be eradicated within the next five to ten years.

Bishop Solomon made the declaration during a consultative meeting held on Thursday in Jalingo with stakeholders from the Peace Architectural Dialogue (PAD), the Taraba Forum for Farmers-Herders Relations (TAFFAHR), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and civil society organizations (CSOs).

Highlighting ongoing peacebuilding efforts across the state, the chairman noted that committed individuals and organizations have been working tirelessly to foster harmony and prevent violence.

He commended Governor Agbu Kefas for prioritizing peace initiatives, stating that the governor has appointed more aides focused on conflict management, community dialogue, and peace advocacy than any of his predecessors.

“There are men and women, experts, consultants, and administrators actively engaged in promoting peaceful coexistence and conflict resolution across Taraba,” Solomon said.

He emphasised the bureau’s mission to build a peaceful, secure, and inclusive state, where communities resolve disputes through dialogue and mutual understanding.

According to Solomon, partnerships with PAD, TAFFAHR, NGOs, and CSOs are essential to achieving the bureau’s goals of empowering communities and establishing effective conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms.

Backing the chairman’s position, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Conflict Resolution, Danaseli Buri, lauded Governor Kefas for establishing the bureau, describing it as a timely intervention in the state’s peace efforts.

He expressed confidence that with continued collaboration, the bureau will eliminate conflict from the nooks and crannies of the state.

Representatives of PAD, TAFFAHR, and other participating organizations pledged their full support to the bureau, committing to work hand-in-hand to achieve lasting peace in the state.