A socio-cultural organisation, Mzough U Tiv (MUT), in Taraba State has raised concerns over what it described as persistent and escalating attacks on Tiv communities in parts of the state.
In a press statement signed on Friday by its president, Hemen Agere, the group alleged that armed assailants have intensified attacks on communities in Akate Ward of Donga Local Government Area, particularly in Tor Damsa and surrounding settlements.
It added that similar incidents were also reported in Chanchanji and Amadu areas of Takum Local Government Area.
The group expressed disappointment that the situation appears to be worsening weeks after Taraba State Governor Kefas Agbu reportedly assured residents that killings would cease and displaced persons would soon return to their homes.
“The governor, alongside his Benue State counterpart, Hyacinth Alia, had on March 3, 2026, visited internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps in Abako and Chanchanji to assess humanitarian conditions.
During the visit, assurances were given regarding improved security and relief support,” the group said.
However, MUT claimed that attacks have continued despite those assurances. It cited a recent incident in which five people, including four police officers, were reportedly killed while responding to a distress call in Tor Damsa.
The group also alleged that large portions of Tiv ancestral lands in the southern senatorial district remain under the control of armed groups.
The organisation warned of a looming humanitarian crisis, stating that more than 150,000 people have been displaced across affected communities in Donga and Takum local government areas.
It noted that while the state government had distributed food items such as rice and maize, the assistance remains insufficient given the scale of displacement.
“Since September 2025, over 350 people have been killed and about 2,000 villages destroyed, alongside several churches, including those belonging to the NKST and Roman Catholic denominations”, MUT alleged.
While acknowledging the government’s initial response, the group called for more decisive action to restore security and enable displaced residents to return home.
It also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other humanitarian organisations to intervene urgently, warning of rising risks of hunger, disease, and malnutrition, especially with the approaching rainy season.
“We appealed to both federal and state authorities to prioritise the protection of lives and property, because timely intervention is critical to preventing further deterioration of the situation,” MUT stated.
It would be recalled that three police officers and the leader of a vigilante group were on Wednesday killed by suspected militias in Tor Damsa community of Takum Local Government Area.
Group raises alarm over escalating attacks on Tiv communities in Taraba
