Traditional rulers and stakeholders linked to the historic Kwararafa heritage have called for greater unity among the various ethnic groups associated with the former confederacy.
The call was made at the 2026 Kwararafa People’s Assembly held in Abuja at the weekend, where participants also discussed security challenges affecting communities across parts of North-Central Nigeria.
The Aku-Uka of Wukari in Taraba State, Dr Ishaku Adda Ali, who convened the gathering, expressed concern over divisions among groups historically connected to Kwararafa along political, religious and ethnic lines.
He questioned why groups that were able to establish a common political structure centuries ago could not maintain stronger bonds in the 21st century.
Ali said the assembly was organised to bring together people connected to the Kwararafa heritage and create a platform for dialogue on issues affecting their communities.
The monarch also raised concerns over insecurity affecting communities across Benue, Kogi, Taraba, Southern Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau and Niger states.
He said banditry, kidnapping, farmer-herder clashes and displacement had disrupted economic and social activities in affected areas.
According to him, insecurity had prevented some farmers from accessing their farms, while traders were also struggling to reach markets.
He added that some children had been unable to attend school and called for sustained intervention that would directly reach communities affected by the crisis.
Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, who attended the event as a core convener, said he was proud to identify himself as a son of Kwararafa.
Kefas clarified that his participation was not an official responsibility of the Taraba State Government, stressing that the assembly was neither a state government programme nor an avenue to advance any personal, political or sectional agenda.
He said the gathering provided an opportunity for people connected to the Kwararafa heritage to renew their common vision and discuss ways of contributing to Nigeria’s development.
The Ohimegye of Opanda-Umaisha Kingdom, Alhaji Usman Abdullahi, also said the Ebira people of Nasarawa State were descendants of the Kwararafa Empire.
He urged members of the various ethnic groups associated with the heritage to continue identifying with their shared history wherever they reside.
Abdullahi commended the Aku-Uka for organising the assembly and expressed hope that its deliberations would result in a communiqué and further engagements among the participating groups.
