A fresh wave of communal violence has erupted in the Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State, following a violent clash between the Tiv farmers and Fulani herders over access to a shared water source. The incident left many injured and resulted in the destruction of property worth millions of naira.
The conflict reportedly originated from a dispute at a communal pond situated between Tor Bali and Atongo villages. Tensions escalated when a Tiv woman fetching water at the pond was allegedly assaulted by Fulani herders after protesting the contamination of the water by their cattle.
Confirming the incident, Chairman of the Council, Aboki Dauda, stated that the altercation quickly spiralled into a full-blown communal clash.
“It was a distressing situation. Homes were set ablaze, and residents were displaced. Fortunately, no fatalities were recorded,” Dauda said. “We’ve since summoned the leaders of the herders and issued strong warnings. Any further attack will not be tolerated.”
Eyewitnesses described the attack as sudden and brutal. One victim, Ezekiel Gboo from Tor Bali, recounted his ordeal: “We were working on the farm when they surrounded us. They beat me with sticks and machetes—there were about 30 of them. I narrowly escaped with my life.”
In response to the crisis, the Taraba State Government deployed a delegation led by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Humanitarian Affairs, Saviour Noku, to assess the damage, distribute relief materials, and mediate between the warring communities.
“Peaceful coexistence is not negotiable,” Noku said. “We must find better ways to resolve our differences. What we’re providing today is immediate relief, but our long-term goal is sustainable peace and full rehabilitation for affected residents.”
Local authorities say security has been reinforced in the area to prevent further escalation, while efforts are ongoing to foster dialogue between both communities.
