At least four Tiv farmers have been killed and thousands displaced after fresh attacks by armed herders in the southern part of Nasarawa State.
The attacks happened in Doma, Keana, and Obi Local Government Areas, according to the President of the Tiv Youth Organisation, Isaiah Audu. He spoke during a press briefing on Monday in Lafia, the state capital.
“We gather today with heavy hearts to condemn the recent spate of violent attacks on innocent Tiv farmers in Nasarawa State by armed herders. These senseless and brutal killings have left families traumatised, communities shattered, and a palpable sense of fear gripping our rural populace,” Audu said.
Audu said four farmers – Mr. Terfa Tswabee, Mr. Sham Kyodo, Zaki Kwaghtagher Ordue, and Teryem Aondo Apav – died from gunshot wounds during the attacks, while others are receiving treatment in hospitals across the state.
He blamed the herders for trying to take over Tiv lands for grazing and farming, saying such violence happens every farming season.
“The causes of these killings are complicated. We can say it is all about land grabbing. This has been occurring any time the farming season comes,” he said.
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He also said over 3,000 Tiv people had been forced to leave their homes and are now taking shelter in various Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps across the state.
“During our last headcount, we had 1,851 persons in Kadarko IDP camp, 401 in Agyaragu, 721 in Kpata, and 502 in Idadu camp,” he said.
Audu added that the latest attacks took place between Thursday, June 13, and Sunday, June 15, 2025, in different Tiv communities including Dooga Ayande in Doma LGA, Antsa in Keana LGA, Tse Yange in Obi LGA, and Tse Akura in Giza Area Council.
He offered condolences to the families of those killed and prayed for the recovery of the injured.
Efforts by PUNCH Metro to confirm the situation were unsuccessful.
When contacted, the Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, Shetima Mohammed, said, “I am in a meeting with the governor at the Government House. I will speak with you later.”