Insecurity: Tiv, Kuteb ethnic groups face unresolved violence

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Following the Jukun/Tiv crisis and the ongoing attacks and killings of the Kuteb people by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Taraba State, both the Tiv and Kuteb ethnic groups continue to suffer without finding lasting peace.

Thousands of people have been killed, and many remain in various IDP camps in Taraba and Benue states.

Mr Terngu Igbabee from Jootar IDP camp and Rimande Bulus Ukwen from Takum IDP camp shared their experiences with Nigerian Tribune, highlighting the lack of peace in the southern part of Taraba State.

Mr Igbabee explained that the crisis between the Jukun and Tiv people, particularly in Wukari Local Government, began shortly after the 2019 general elections, forcing Tivs to seek shelter in IDP camps.

Mr Ukwen stated that the continuous attacks and killings of the Kutebs by suspected Fulani herdsmen started in 2021.

According to the displaced individuals, the people who attempt to return to their ancestral homes are frequently attacked and killed, and their farmlands remain inaccessible.

They expressed disappointment in the lack of interest shown by former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Governor Darius Ishaku in ending the killings and appealed to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Agbu Kefas to intervene urgently.

“We are still unable to find peace and return to our ancestral homes. Our people who try to visit or farm the land are constantly attacked and killed. We are still suffering in various IDP camps, while some have sought refuge with relatives in safer locations.

“The attacks on our people started during the administrations of former President Buhari and Darius Ishaku, but both of them showed no interest in ending the attacks.

The Jukun and Tiv crisis began shortly after the 2021 election, and since then, no Tiv person has been allowed to return to their ancestral homes in Wukari Local Government.

The attacks on the Kuteb ethnic group in Takum and Ussa Local Government by suspected Fulani herdsmen started in 2021.

Over 10,000 of our people have been killed, and properties worth millions of naira have been destroyed. The Fulanis have taken over our ancestral homes and farmlands, freely grazing with AK-47 rifles.

“We appeal to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Agbu Kefas to recognize that we are still unable to find peace and return to our ancestral homes to resume our normal farming activities.

We urge both the president and the governor to intervene in this matter and allow us to return to our respective homes,” the IDPs recounted.

Nigerian Tribune also recalls that Hon. Abershi Musa, the former caretaker chairman of Ussa Local Government, resigned in April 2023 due to the persistent attacks and killings of the Kuteb people by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

He blamed former Governor Darius Ishaku for his resignation, citing the governor’s lack of action regarding the killings in the southern part of the state.

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