Ex-Commissioner Condemns Attacks on Tiv Communities in Donga, Takum

A former Commissioner for Works and Finance in Taraba State, Dr. Bulus Maiyaki, has condemned the recent attacks on Tiv communities in Donga and Takum Local Government Areas, describing the killings and destruction of churches as unacceptable.

Maiyaki, who spoke to journalists on Monday via telephone from Jalingo, expressed deep concern over what he described as the growing pattern of violence against Tiv communities in the two local government areas. He insisted that the attacks must stop, warning that continued bloodshed would only deepen divisions and insecurity in the state.

The former commissioner called on Governor Agbu Kefas to urgently intervene, alongside the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Muslim Council in Taraba State, to stem the violence and work towards a lasting solution to the crisis.

He also stressed the need for the involvement of traditional rulers and other critical stakeholders in peace-building efforts, noting that inclusive dialogue remains key to preventing a recurrence of such attacks.

Maiyaki urged those behind the violence to desist immediately and channel their grievances through appropriate authorities rather than resorting to killings and destruction of property.

"I am worried by the continuous attacks, maiming, killings and destruction of property by a group of people who have not come out to tell the public what their grievance is against Tiv communities in Donga and Takum," he said.

"This killing must stop. I am advising the perpetrators to sheath their swords and present their grievances to the authorities for redress," Maiyaki added.

He appealed to Governor Kefas, traditional rulers, CAN and the Muslim Council to intervene decisively "with a view to proffering a lasting solution to these conflicts."

It would be recalled that suspected Fulani militia on Sunday reportedly attacked communities in Donga and Takum Local Government Areas, killing several persons and destroying churches.