SYNCHRONIZED ATTACKS, DISPLACEMENT AND LAND SEIZURE: ACTIVIST MOVES TO DEFEND TIV AND KUTEB IN TARABA STATE
Japhet Kwabche, popularly known as True Comrade, is the CEO of True Comrade TV. Over the years, he has been actively engaged in advocacy concerning issues of marginalization, security threats, and land disputes affecting the Tiv and Kuteb communities of Taraba State. In an interview with The Transmitter, Mr Kwabche noted that he has taken his advocacy to the presidency because the Taraba State government has failed in its duty to protect the lives and well-being of its citizens.
How about giving us a little biography of yourself?
I am Japhet Kwabche, popularly known as True Comrade, the CEO of True Comrade TV. I was born and raised in Takum Local Government Area, witnessing firsthand the struggle of my people. Over the years, I have been actively engaged in advocacy, highlighting the issues of marginalization, security threats, and land disputes affecting the Tiv and Kuteb communities of Taraba State.
Why are you so much into seeking justice for the Tiv and Kuteb in Southern Taraba, what is the motivating factor?
My motivation emanates from the deep sense of injustice that my people have been suffering for decades. The continued displacement, violence, and land dispossession inflicted on the Tiv and Kuteb communities cannot be overlooked. Sir, I can confidently say that children born in the 1990s have never seen lasting peace in my State, especially those born in Tiv and Kuteb Communities, as the conflict continues to resurface in waves, repeatedly targeting the Kuteb and Tiv ethnic groups. So, I believe that silence in the face of oppression only enables further atrocities. Just as I said earlier, my advocacy is propelled by the desire to see peace, fairness, and development return to Taraba State, where every ethnic group can coexist without fear of persecution or exclusion.
There seems to be an increasing disenchantment by the people of Southern Taraba, and you, particularly seem not to believe in the Taraba State government anymore, I suppose this is why you have taken to writing to the presidency to express your fears about the purported land seizure in your region, what is it that has brought you to this point where you no longer trust the Taraba State Government to handle this matter?
Yes, as I stated in my letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the state government has failed in its duty to protect the lives and well-being of its citizens. The ongoing attacks on the Tiv and Kuteb people, coupled with the state’s apparent focus on taking over their displaced communities rather than finding ways to restore the original inhabitants, suggest a coordinated effort to evict these ethnic groups. Given the government’s failure to address these issues transparently, alongside ongoing attempts to redraw territorial boundaries, I felt compelled to escalate my concerns beyond the state level. I do not back down from issues, especially when I believe there is a chance of achieving justice. When local institutions fail, it becomes necessary to seek redress at the national level, which is why I reached out to the Presidency.
Do you have any private outfit supporting your agitations, or are there some organizations backing your advocacy?
Though, many individuals and groups share the same concerns and have expressed solidarity, my advocacy is largely personal.
Any response from the Federal Government so far?
So far, we are still awaiting a formal response. However, I believe that continue pressure and engagement will compel the Federal Government to act. We will not relent in our efforts until we see concrete steps taken to address the injustices facing our people.
What would you advise the government to focus on in order to save Southern Taraba from its developmental and security challenges?
The government must first acknowledge the crisis in Tiv and Kuteb communities as a serious humanitarian and insecurity issue. As stated in page 3 of our letter to the President, the Federal Government should:
– Launching an independent investigation into the connection between the ongoing violence and the proposed projects, and preventing further violence in areas that have already suffered for nine years.
– Placing an immediate moratorium on all land acquisitions and development projects in these conflict-ridden areas.
– Deploying adequate security forces to protect displaced persons and facilitate their safe return to their ancestral lands.
– Identifying and prosecuting those responsible for orchestrating the banditry, land seizures, and forced displacement.
– Engaging directly with Tiv and Kuteb community leaders to ensure their lands are safeguarded and that any genuine development projects benefit them rather than displace them.
Any parting words?
To my people in Taraba State that are sharing in our pains and the Tiv and Kuteb People, I urge you to stay strong and united. Our voices must not be silent, and our resilience will shape the future of our land. To the Authorities, I say; justice delayed is justice denied. The government must rise to its responsibility and address these issues before situations escalate beyond control.
