STRENGTHENING CIVIL-MILITARY COOPERATION: COMMANDER 6 BRIGADE LEADS KARIM LAMIDO STAKEHOLDERS TO HISTORIC PEACE PACT
In a remarkable display of civil-military cooperation and commitment to peace, the Commander 6 Brigade Nigerian Army /Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, has successfully convened and led a historic two day stakeholders’ security meeting that culminated in a peace pact aimed at resolving lingering communal tensions in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The meeting, which held from 3rd to 4th June 2025 at Headquarters 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Jalingo, brought together critical stakeholders from the Old Muri Chiefdom in response to recent disputes between the Fumang and Illela communities. The disagreement, which stemmed from land and boundary issues, had escalated into violence, resulting in damage to farmlands and injuries to several individuals. With tensions threatening to draw in neighboring communities, decisive intervention became imperative.
Addressing participants at the opening of the meeting, Brigadier General Uwa issued a stern warning against the escalation of violence and cautioned individuals or groups from taking the law into their hands. He emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence and the rule of law, noting that the military remains committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure lasting peace and security across Taraba State.
“Peace is the collective responsibility of all,” he stated. “We will leave no stone unturned in securing our communities and ensuring that dialogue, rather than violence, becomes the tool for conflict resolution.”
The first session of the meeting on Tuesday, 3rd June 2025, provided a platform for representatives from the affected communities to air their grievances and suggest ways forward. Recognizing the need for broader inclusiveness, the meeting was adjourned to the following day to enable the participation of additional traditional and local government stakeholders.
The reconvened meeting on Wednesday, 4th June 2025, witnessed the attendance of notable dignitaries, including the Chairman of Karim-Lamido LGA, Hon. Britus Danjos, the State Director of Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Benjamin Baissa and the Emir of Old Muri, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abdullahi B. Also present were the Village Heads of Zib, Fumang, Katluu, Illela, Belango, Angwan Kanbari, and Baranda, all from the Old Muri Chiefdom.
At the conclusion of the meeting, a comprehensive peace pact was signed by all parties. The agreement emphasizes respect for territorial boundaries, adherence to the rule of law, the promotion of peaceful coexistence, and the institutionalization of regular community dialogues to preempt future disputes.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers and stakeholders, the Emir of Old Muri, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abdullahi B, commended Brigadier General Uwa for what he described as “a historic intervention and the first of its kind in the history of Karim-Lamido.” He pledged the support of all community leaders in ensuring that the terms of the peace agreement are upheld and enforced, warning that any violators will be held accountable under the law.
