Many injured as Tiv, Fulani clash over water source in Taraba

Fresh communal unrest has flared in Taraba State following a violent clash between Tiv farmers and Fulani herders in Bali Local Government Area. The confrontation, which erupted over access to a shared water source, left several people injured and resulted in the destruction of homes and property worth millions of naira.

The crisis began at a pond located between Tor Bali and Atongo villages—an essential water source for both communities. Tensions escalated when a woman fetching water at the pond was allegedly assaulted by herders after confronting them for allowing their cattle to drink from and contaminate the same water.

Council Chairman, Aboki Dauda, confirmed the incident and said the attack on the woman triggered outrage within her community, culminating in a broader conflict between both sides.

“What happened here was terrible. Houses were burnt, and people displaced, but thank God, no lives were lost,” Dauda said. “The herders brought their cattle to the pond, and in the process, polluted the water. When a woman tried to stop them, she was attacked. Her screams drew others, and that’s how the violence started.”

Dauda revealed that the local council has since engaged the leadership of the herders’ community, warning them against further violence and holding them accountable for their role in the incident.

“We’ve identified those responsible and made it clear that a repeat of this behavior will not be tolerated,” he added.

Ezekiel Gboo, a farmer from Tor Bali who survived the attack, recounted his harrowing experience. “We were on the farm when they came from all directions with sticks and machetes. I tried to run, but they caught me. About 30 of them beat me with sticks and cutlasses. I thought I was going to die,” he said.

In response to the crisis, the Taraba State Government dispatched a delegation led by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Humanitarian Affairs, Saviour Noku, to assess the damage, promote peace, and distribute relief materials to affected residents.

“Let’s try to live in peace with our neighbours,” Noku pleaded. “It is always cheaper to prevent crises than to respond to them. What we have brought today is only a temporary measure—we will continue to support your resettlement and recovery.”

Communities in Bali LGA remain on edge as security agencies monitor the situation and efforts continue to prevent further escalation.