PRESS RELEASE
CAUTION AGAINST PERSISTENT ATTACKS ON TIV COMMUNITIES IN TAKUM AND DONGA LGAs OF TARABA STATE:
CALL FOR PROACTIVE GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION
The Mzough U Tiv (MUT), Taraba State Chapter, expresses deep concern over the escalating attacks on Tiv communities in Takum and Donga Local Government Areas of Taraba State.
We are particularly alarmed by the continued armed invasion of Tor Damsa and surrounding communities in Akate Ward of Donga LGA. Similar attacks, allegedly carried out by armed Fulani militias, have persisted in Chanchanji, Amadu, and adjoining communities in Takum LGA.
These disturbing developments are occurring despite assurances given by the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, barely three weeks ago, that decisive steps would be taken to halt the killings and facilitate the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their ancestral homes.
It will be recalled that on March 3, 2026, Governor Agbu Kefas, alongside his Benue State counterpart, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, visited IDP camps in Abako and Chanchanji to assess the humanitarian situation. During that visit, the Governor made firm commitments that raised hope among displaced persons—many of whom believed they would soon return home and rebuild their lives before the onset of the rainy season. Sadly, those hopes are now being eroded by renewed violence.
Most tragically, just two days ago, five persons—including four police officers and a military personnel reported missing—lost their lives while responding to a distress call to repel an attack on Tor Damsa. Reports indicate that armed attackers still occupy a significant portion—estimated at over 70 percent—of Tiv ancestral lands in the Southern Senatorial Zone.
We draw the urgent attention of government authorities to the grave threats facing these communities, including widespread displacement, lack of shelter, food shortages, and inadequate healthcare. These conditions pose a looming humanitarian crisis if not addressed with urgency and commitment.
While we acknowledge and appreciate the Taraba State Government’s intervention through the distribution of rice and maize to displaced persons, the scale of displacement—estimated at over 150,000 persons across Akate Ward, Chanchanji, and Amadu—renders current support grossly insufficient.
The promise to restore security, reclaim occupied communities, and enable displaced persons to return home remains unfulfilled. This must now be treated as an immediate priority.
It is important to note that since September 2025, Tiv communities in the affected areas have lived under sustained siege. This has resulted in the loss of over 350 innocent lives within six months, the destruction of more than 2,000 villages, and the vandalization of at least twelve churches belonging to NKST and the Roman Catholic Church. Livelihoods have been destroyed, and entire communities have been displaced.
The Peace Committee’s efforts, though commendable, are yet to yield tangible results, as attacks and destruction continue unabated. Security issues of this magnitude demand swift and decisive action, given the value of human life.
We remain confident that the Chief Security Officer of the State possesses the capacity to protect all citizens and restore peace across Taraba State.
Key Observations:
1. Over 350 Tiv lives have been lost in the past six months due to persistent attacks.
2. No fewer than 150,000 persons have been displaced across Takum and Donga LGAs.
3. Government at various levels is aware of the crisis but has yet to take sufficiently decisive action.
4. More than 2,000 villages have been destroyed, alongside twelve churches.
Our Calls:
Immediate and decisive security operations to flush out armed attackers from Tiv communities.
Urgent humanitarian intervention by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to avert widespread hunger and malnutrition.
Increased relief support, including food, shelter, and medical assistance for displaced persons.
Swift implementation of measures to enable IDPs to safely return and rebuild their communities.
Support from well-meaning organizations and individuals to provide both material and psychosocial assistance to affected populations.
With the approaching rainy season and worsening living conditions, the risk of a full-scale humanitarian disaster is imminent if urgent action is not taken.
The time to act is now.
Signed:
Professor Hemen Agere
President,
Mzough U Tiv (MUT), Taraba State Chapter
