SETTING THE RECORDS STRAIGHT
Press Statement by Mdzough U Tiv (MUT), Taraba State Chapter
The Mdzough U Tiv (MUT), Taraba State Chapter—a global socio-cultural organisation of Tiv extraction—issues this statement with profound concern and a heavy heart over the recent remarks attributed to the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, explaining his refusal to intervene in the escalating terrorist attacks against Tiv communities across Southern Taraba.
This intervention becomes imperative in the wake of statements suggesting alleged “lack of cooperation” by the Tiv people, at a time when communities are under sustained assault, lives are being lost, and ancestral lands are being seized for the establishment of a Military Forward Operating Base (FOB) without due process.
A Trail of Blood and Displacement
Within the last three months, coordinated attacks on Tiv settlements—particularly in Chanchanji Ward, Takum LGA, and Ikyaior and Jandekyura villages, Wukari LGA—have claimed over 100 lives, displaced between 15,000 and 20,000 persons, and destroyed property and food supplies worth billions of naira.
More recently, between January 9 and 11, 2026, fresh violence erupted in Akate Ward, Donga LGA, where over 25 Tiv farmers were reportedly killed during attacks linked to armed herders, following protests against the destruction of farmlands by grazing animals. Several persons remain missing, while others were abducted. Though the Donga Local Government Council condoled with affected families, no clear condemnation of the attacks nor decisive security engagement was publicly communicated.
Governor’s Christmas Remarks Spark Outrage
On December 25, 2025, during a Christmas address in Wukari, Governor Kefas stated that repeated appeals from Tiv leaders urging him to halt the attacks would not move him, alleging that Tiv communities were not cooperating with his administration. He further accused Tiv inhabitants of opposing the establishment of a Military FOB in Ikyaior and Jandekyura, citing ancestral land claims.
The Governor also declared that there would be “no going back” on the FOB project, notwithstanding ongoing litigation—an assertion that has heightened tensions and deepened fears among affected communities.
Constitutional Duty and Moral Burden
By virtue of Section 176(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Governor is the Chief Executive of the State and the Chairman of the State Security Council, with a primary responsibility for the welfare and security of all residents. While federal agencies control security formations, the Governor’s coordinating role is central to maintaining law and order.
Furthermore, Section 33(1) of the Constitution guarantees the right to life for every citizen, without discrimination. This right is non-negotiable and must be protected impartially, irrespective of ethnicity.
On the Claim of “Non-Cooperation”
Contrary to the Governor’s assertion, there has been no structured engagement by the present administration with Tiv stakeholders to address the long-standing Jukun–Tiv crisis, particularly in Wukari LGA—despite campaign promises to resolve the feud and the creation of a Ministry of Social Justice with a mandate to promote social cohesion. Regrettably, the Ministry has remained largely inactive on this critical issue, leaving Tiv communities still yearning for justice, equity, and reconciliation.
Land, Due Process, and the FOB
While the State holds authority over land, due process remains sacrosanct. Tiv communities in Ikyaior and Jandekyura predate the creation of Taraba State and Nigeria itself. Their demand is simple: follow constitutional procedures and respect lawful ownership and consultation.
It is also on record that thousands of Tiv persons have remained internally displaced for over seven years, scattered across Benue, Nasarawa, and other parts of Taraba. Attempts to return home have repeatedly ended in tragedy—even in the presence of security operatives. In December 2025, more than 20 returnees in Ajogo village (near Rafinkada, Wukari LGA) were reportedly killed and their homes razed, without any known arrests. No official word of consolation has followed.
Troubling Questions, Earnest Appeals
In light of the Governor’s December pronouncement, legitimate questions arise: Is there a perceived grudge against Tiv citizens? Why the apparent reluctance to condemn atrocities and decisively protect vulnerable communities?
We state clearly: the Tiv people remain loyal citizens of Taraba State and desire nothing more than equal protection, justice, and humane treatment.
Condemning Excesses, Calling for Action
We strongly condemn reports of brutality against unarmed women who were allegedly beaten while attempting to retrieve farm produce from bulldozed fields guarded by military personnel. Such incidents deserved public condemnation and immediate redress.
Alarmingly, Tiv areas—Ikyaior, Jandekyura (Wukari LGA) and Tor Damisa, Akate Ward (Donga LGA)—are reportedly under siege by well-armed militants, numbering in the thousands. These are heinous acts that demand the Governor’s unequivocal condemnation and urgent protection for indigenous populations.
Conclusion
History teaches that today’s wisdom can become tomorrow’s regret. Leadership is tested not by declarations of resolve, but by compassion, justice, and decisive action in moments of crisis.
We urge His Excellency to rise above politics, uphold his constitutional oath, ensure due process in all land matters, and act decisively to end the killings and restore peace to Southern Taraba.
Signed:
Prof. H. Agere
President,
Mdzough U Tiv (MUT), Taraba State Chapter
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