By NEXTER
The National Association of Jukun Wanu (NAJUWA), has denied allegations that persons of Jukun extraction were complicit in the recurring violence against Tiv communities in Benue State.
In a statement on Tuesday, the association through its national president, Engr. Moses Amankye Adanwo and secretary, Comrade Sule Musa Atase, described the allegations of complicity in the attacks by Jukun people as baseless and inflammatory.
“NAJUWA unequivocally condemns all forms of violence, which run contrary to our values as peace-loving people. However, we firmly reject attempts to implicate the Jukun people in the recurring violence in Benue State, especially in Tiv communities. Recent allegations of Jukun complicity in attacks against our Tiv neighbors are baseless and inflammatory. We urge restraint in public discourse and on social media.
“For instance, the misleading claims circulated on April 28th and 29th, 2025, in posts by Orkuma Benjamin and Aomoty Content, respectively, have only served to fuel division. We reiterate our demand for the retraction of these posts and a public apology,” the association stated.
It said recent investigation conducted by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Guma LGA, alongside other security agencies, confirmed its position and non-involvement of Jukun people in the Yelwata incident.
It said members of the Jukun community in Abinsi are currently providing shelter to some displaced Tiv victims of the violence.
“While we share in the grief of the Idoma, Agatu, and Tiv people, NAJUWA proposes the following concrete steps toward reconciliation and peace:
“Support President Bola Tinubu’s call urging His Excellency, Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, to include Jukun representatives in the proposed stakeholder committee to ensure inclusive governance; collaborate with security forces and reaffirm our commitment to assist lawful investigations into all incidents of violence; appoint a bilingual (Tiv/English) spokesperson among the Jukun to help correct misinformation and foster interethnic understanding,” it advocated.
The association extended its profound condolences to the Government and people of Benue State over the ongoing violence, particularly the tragic killings in Agatu and Idoma communities, as well as the recent incident in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area.
“We stand in solidarity with all victims and their families, and we call for urgent, collective action to end the bloodshed in our communities.
“NAJUWA remains dedicated to peace, justice, and the constitutional rights of all Nigerians,” it noted.
