• Group unveils guidelines to check farmers-herders clashes
President General of Tiv Cultural and Social Association (TCSA), James Chihi Bakah, alongside the Forum of Tiv Political Appointees, has raised concerns over emerging security threats targeting their communities in Southern Taraba.

Addressing journalists yesterday in Jalingo, the group alleged that attackers may be regrouping, with plans to target communities such as Ananum, Tor-Damisa, Peva, and Kofai Amadu in Donga and Takum local council areas.

Despite the concerns, the Tiv leaders commended recent security deployments across affected communities, noting that the intervention has begun to restore calm in previously volatile areas.

Bakah said Tiv people welcomed efforts of the Taraba State government, adding that the presence of security personnel had significantly improved the situation on the ground.

According to him, the deployment has deterred further attacks and renewed confidence among residents who had lived in fear for months, stating: “Some areas that were previously tense are now experiencing relative calm.”

However, a senior military officer has called on President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to urgently intervene in the worsening security situation in Tiv communities across Southern Taraba and parts of Benue State.

The appeal followed a fresh wave of attacks that had left several communities devastated, with residents reporting widespread destruction of their homes, farmlands and harvested crops.

The officer, who hails from Mbajir in the Shitile area, said his village and neighbouring communities spanning three local government areas in Southern Taraba, as well as Katsina-Ala Local Council of Benue State, have been under sustained assault over the past two weeks.

According to him, the coordinated attacks forced residents to flee their homes.

Meanwhile, United Kingdom-international development-funded guidelines, developed by the Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL) for the prevention and resolution of land conflicts between farmers and herders in Kaduna, Katsina, Plateau and Benue States, have been unveiled.

The launch is part of efforts to sustain peace and strengthen security in the affected states.

Speaking on the occasion, the Operations Officer of HiiL and Guideline Lead, Mariam Abba, explained that the guideline was developed through extensive consultations across affected states.

She clarified that the project, funded by the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRING) programme, covered Kaduna, Katsina, Plateau and Benue states.

In his address, Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Sule Shuaibu (SAN), said the initiative is aimed at consolidating the gains recorded in tackling insecurity since the coming on board of Governor Uba Sani in 2023.

Also speaking, the State Representative of SPRING, Barau Emmanuel, stated that the programme is to strengthen institutional capacity and build resilience among communities.