The clash, reportedly triggered by a disagreement over access to a communal water source, has escalated tensions in the area and prompted swift intervention by local authorities and the Taraba State government.
Officials stated that the dispute began at a pond located between Tor Bali and Atongo villages, which serves as a vital water source for both the Tiv and Fulani communities.
The herders brought their cattle to the pond, and in the process, polluted the water.
A woman tried to stop them and was attacked. She cried out, and others came to her aid, which triggered the crisis,” he added.
Dauda disclosed that the council has since summoned the herders’ leaders and issued warnings to prevent further violence.“We have identified those responsible. We made it clear to the herders’ leadership that any repeat of this attack will not be tolerated.”
A survivor, Ezekiel Gboo from Tor Bali, recounted his harrowing ordeal, saying, “We were working on the farm when they suddenly surrounded us from all sides with sticks and machetes. I tried to escape and call for help, but they caught me. Around 30 of them beat me with sticks and slashed me with cutlasses,” he narrated.
In response to the incident, the Taraba State Government reportedly dispatched a high-level delegation, led by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Humanitarian Affairs, Saviour Noku, to the affected communities to calm tensions and distribute relief materials.
“Let’s strive to live peacefully with our neighbours,” Noku appealed to the residents. “Preventing conflict is always less costly than dealing with its aftermath. What we’ve provided today is only a temporary relief measure. Rest assured, we will continue to support your recovery and resettlement efforts.”
Fresh communal violence has broken out in Taraba State, following a clash between Tiv farmers and Fulani herders in Bali Local Government Area. The incident resulted in multiple injuries and the destruction of properties valued at millions of naira.
