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Leaders of the Taraba Tiv Youths Association on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, staged a peaceful demonstration at the entrance of the National Assembly in Abuja, calling on the Federal Government to urgently intervene in the escalating violence and displacement affecting Tiv communities in Taraba State.
The protesters alleged that several Tiv settlements in Peva Chanchangji ward of Takum Local Government Area, Akete ward in Donga LGA, and parts of Wukari LGA have come under repeated attacks in recent months. They claimed the assaults, which they attributed to armed Fulani and Jukun militias, have resulted in loss of lives, widespread destruction of property, and the forced displacement of thousands of residents.
Addressing journalists during the protest, the youth leaders accused security operatives deployed to the affected areas of failing to provide adequate protection to vulnerable communities. They further alleged that military checkpoints in the region have restricted residents’ freedom of movement, severely limiting access to farmlands and essential supplies, thereby compounding the humanitarian crisis.
The group directed strong criticism at the Taraba State Government and lawmakers representing Southern Taraba, accusing them of inaction and failing to address the deteriorating security situation in their constituencies.
The protesters made a direct appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the nation’s service chiefs, urging decisive federal intervention. They demanded the immediate disarmament of all armed groups operating in the area, a thorough investigation into the conduct of security personnel, and concrete measures to restore peace and protect Tiv communities.
The association vowed to sustain peaceful protests and to submit a formal petition to relevant authorities, reiterating their call for swift action to halt the violence, ensure justice for victims, and prevent further displacement and loss of life.
The demonstration underscores growing frustration among Tiv communities in Taraba State over what they describe as persistent insecurity and inadequate response from both state and federal authorities. As inter-communal tensions continue to simmer in parts of the North-Central region, observers are watching closely to see whether the federal government will respond to the renewed calls for intervention.
