After years of fierce rivalry clashes, the Kuteb and Fulani communities in Takum and Ussa local councils of Taraba State have shifted ground, signing a pact to sheathe their swords for peaceful coexistence, unhindered farming and business activities.
The tussle between the duo had claimed over hundreds of lives and property worth millions in the two local governments bordering the Republic of Cameroon.
Signing the accord, Yakubu Shamaki, the leader of the Kutep community, expressed his joy, saying the development was timely and impressive. Further, he avowed to ensure the sustainability of the agreement in his locality.
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Shamaki said the two groups signed the agreement to resume the peaceful co-existence including farming and business activities people of the communities were known for. “No one was happy with the crises between Fulani and Kuteb,” he said. “We know that our parents were living together peacefully.”
Alhaji Bello Mani Janye, a leader of the Fulani community in the area referenced the ancient time of their forefathers where peaceful coexistence was not subjected to negotiations. However, he said they can no longer allow mischief makers to alter the narratives.
“We directed for immediate disbarment of anyone with weapons and they have all agreed,” Janye said. He lamented the devilish reasons that caused the feud and mistrust between the communities for years, which cost both parties a lot.
Also, the Chairman of Ussa Local Government, Abarshi Musa, was optimistic that the agreement would preempt any odd in the future. He hoped that the pact would sustain peace in the zone.
“Henceforth no more fight between Kuteb and Fulani, we embraced peace,” he affirmed.
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He noted that a communique signed by the rival communities marked a milestone for peace in the southern zone of Taraba State with the hope that farming and business activities would flourish in the area.
The participants from both parties who witnessed the signing ceremony expressed their joy for the agreement and promised to pass the peace message to their respective communities.
The sustainability of peace with Kuteb and Fulani tribes in the zone, hopefully, would enhance agricultural and business activities in the region ravaged by persistent counterattacks between the two parties.
