18 February 2026
A looming humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding in Southern Taraba as thousands of displaced Tiv families languish in dire conditions at Tor Damsa, Chanchanji and Amadu Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, prompting urgent calls for swift government and humanitarian intervention.
Speaking on behalf of Mzough U Tiv, Taraba State Chapter, the group’s President, Professor Hemen Agere, raised the alarm in a strongly worded address to the press, decrying what he described as months of unrelenting violence, mass displacement and official silence.
According to the group, since September 2025, Tiv communities in the Southern Senatorial District of Taraba State have been subjected to sustained attacks allegedly carried out by armed Fulani militias, leaving a trail of death, destruction and despair. Farmlands were abandoned mid-harvest, livelihoods shattered, and entire settlements emptied as residents fled for safety.
“Our people are living in fear. Any attempt to return to their farms or homes has reportedly resulted in killings or other inhuman treatment. This is the grim reality confronting Tiv communities in Southern Taraba today,” the statement said.
𝘿𝙄𝙎𝙏𝙐𝙍𝘽𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙁𝙄𝙂𝙐𝙍𝙀𝙎 𝙁𝙍𝙊𝙈 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝘾𝙍𝙄𝙎𝙄𝙎
The group highlighted the following developments as the situation deteriorates rapidly:
Over 300 Tiv lives reportedly lost within five months amid continued attacks.
More than 50,000 persons displaced, mainly from Chanchanji to Akete Ward across Takum and Donga Local Government Areas.
At least 100 villages razed beyond recognition.
Twelve churches, including those of NKST and the Roman Catholic mission, reportedly destroyed and vandalized.
A growing humanitarian emergency worsened by changing weather patterns and the approaching rainy season.
Despite the scale of the crisis, the group lamented that the violence and displacement have yet to receive adequate recognition and decisive response from governments at all levels.
Mzough U Tiv issued a direct appeal to the Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, urging him to personally visit the affected communities, commiserate with victims, and provide leadership as the state’s Chief Security Officer.
The group also called on National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to intervene immediately, warning that the risk of severe malnutrition and disease outbreaks in the IDP camps is dangerously high.
In addition, federal and state authorities were urged to deploy all necessary security and humanitarian mechanisms to halt the violence, enable displaced persons to rebuild their lives, and ensure they are not disenfranchised from the ongoing voters’ review exercise.
Good-spirited organizations, faith-based groups and individuals were equally called upon to visit the affected areas, offer moral support, and provide urgent relief to the victims.
With the rainy season fast approaching, observers warn that delays could turn an already dire situation into a full-blown humanitarian disaster unless swift, coordinated action is taken.
Signed:
Professor Hemen Agere
President, Mzough U Tiv, Taraba State Chapter
PIONEER NEWS 