Three Indigenes of Taraba state who were kidnapped during the communal crises between Benue and Taraba states have been handed over to their state governor, Dickson Ishaku.
While handing over the released indigenes on behalf of the state governor, Samuel Ortom, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Targema Takema, urged border communities to imbibe the culture of peaceful co-existence.
“The present administration is determined to unravel the real reasons behind the lingering communal crises between the border communities for the purpose of amicable resolution,” he said.
The SSG, however, commended officials of the border communities for releasing the kidnapped people.
At the occasion, two Benue indigenes who were kidnapped by border communities in Taraba State during communal disputes were also released.
Also speaking, while handing over kidnapped Benue indigenes to the Benue State government, Ishaku said it was important for the border communities to live in peace.
“However, both governments will need to educate their people on the imperatives of peaceful co-existence, and the two states must be committed to peace initiatives,” the governor, who was represented by an Taraba government official, Anthony Joloson, said.