Hunger, humanitarian crisis looms in Taraba as herders displace Tiv farmers
By John Mkom, Jalingo A humanitarian crisis is unfolding in southern Taraba State, where thousands of people, mostly farmers, have been displaced from their homes in Adu, Gbundu, Demevava, Tor-Damsa,
By John Mkom, Jalingo
A humanitarian crisis is unfolding in southern Taraba State, where thousands of people, mostly farmers, have been displaced from their homes in Adu, Gbundu, Demevava, Tor-Damsa, New Gboko, Tse-Ukwe, Kwambai and several other communities of Donga and Takum local government areas.
The internally displaced persons (IDPs) are languishing in camps, with women and children suffering from malnutrition and hunger.
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The crisis is a result of violent attacks by killer herdsmen, which have forced farmers to abandon their lands, leading to a food shortage. The situation is dire, with 78 per cent of Tiv farmers in the affected areas unable to access their farmlands.
The governors of Taraba and Benue states, Agbu Kefas and Hyacinth Alia, recently met in Wukari to discuss ways to end the crisis, but the attacks have continued.
Speaking on behalf of displaced Tiv women, Mrs. Msughshima Tersugh appealed to Governor Kefas and President Bola Tinubu to deploy security personnel to their communities to enable them to return to their farms and resume farming.
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“We have lost our husbands, our homes, and our farms. Our children are hungry, and we don’t know how long we can survive like this,” she said, urging the government to act swiftly to prevent a full-blown humanitarian crisis.
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The President, Tiv Cultural and Social Association of Taraba State, Chief James Bakah, has also raised the alarm, warning that the situation could deteriorate further if not addressed promptly.
Bakah commended the state government and security agencies for their efforts but stressed the need for sustained intervention.
As the rainy season approaches, the displaced persons are counting on the government to provide security and relief materials to enable them return to their farms and rebuild their lives.
An IDP, Rebecca Iorsugh, lamented: “We can’t go to our farms to fetch food. Many who dared to reach their farms did not return; they were found killed by the herdsmen.”
