The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Tiv

  • Tiv communities beseech NSA, NBA over attacks

    Tiv communities beseech NSA, NBA over attacks

    Indigenous Tiv communities in Nasarawa State have demanded a probe of killings, violent displacements and illegal occupation of their ancestral lands.

    In a statement by Terkaa Jerry Aondo (SAN), the communities demanded urgent intervention from the state and federal authorities.

    They also called on the state government to obey the court order by halting all ongoing activities on a disputed land.

    They urged the Federal Government to deploy adequate security forces to the affected areas to safeguard lives and property.

    The Tiv people demanded a full-scale investigation into the spate of violence, to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure justice for the victims.

    They appealed to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and other relevant institutions to take up the matter of judicial disregard, describing it as a dangerous precedent that undermines the rule of law.

    The communities insisted on the arrest and prosecution of individuals inciting ethnic hatred and disunity among Nasarawa’s diverse population.

    They appealed to President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Human Rights Commission, and international bodies to urgently intervene in what they described as a growing humanitarian crisis.

    Describing the situation as “a humanitarian and legal emergency,” Aondo warned that continued silence could escalate the conflict, deepen ethnic tensions, and spark another round of bloodshed.

    “Our people are currently displaced, traumatised, and living in fear.

    Read Also: NBA condemns kidnap of judge in Bayelsa

    “The government must not ignore this. Peace must be restored, and justice must be served,” he said.

    The statement said dozens of Tiv villages across Doma, Obi, Awe, Keana, and parts of Lafia Local Government Areas—including Akaha, Utsuwa, Usula, Udugh, Chabo, Wachi, Ayarkeke, and several others—have come under relentless attacks.

    The communities claim that killings and intimidation have escalated in recent weeks, with villagers forced to flee their homes and take refuge in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Agyaragu Town and Abaagu Village, Obi LGA.

    The Tiv group pointed to a preservative court order in SUIT NO. NSD/LF/44/2025 restraining the state government from encroaching on Tiv lands.

    They believe full compliance with the order was key to peace.

    The communities warn that current efforts to label the Tiv as “settlers” in Nasarawa are not only false but dangerous, fueling ethnic division and inciting violence reminiscent of the 2000–2001 ethnic attacks in the state.

    The Tiv leadership alleged that as recently as July 2, 2025, a Tiv man, Mr. Kyobo Ndar, was murdered and dismembered by criminals at Keberi-Biu in Rukubi Ward of Doma LGA, along the Ajimaka Road.

    They lamented that despite notifying military authorities in the area, no arrest had been made.

    “We have alerted the GOC of the Army Battalion in Doma, yet there has been no single arrest. The killers continue to walk free,” the communities said.

  • Tiv communities seek probe of attacks, others

    Tiv communities seek probe of attacks, others

    Indigenous Tiv communities in Nasarawa State have demanded a probe of killings, violent displacements and illegal occupation of their ancestral lands.

    In a statement, the communities, led by Terkaa Jerry Aondo (SAN), demanded urgent intervention from the state and federal authorities.

    They also called on the state government to obey the court order by halting all ongoing activities on a disputed land.

    They urged the Federal Government to deploy adequate security forces to the affected areas to safeguard lives and property.

    The Tiv people demanded a full-scale investigation into the spate of violence, with the aim of holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring justice for the victims.

    They appealed to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and other relevant institutions to take up the matter of judicial disregard, describing it as a dangerous precedent that undermines the rule of law.

    Furthermore, the communities insisted on the arrest and prosecution of individuals inciting ethnic hatred and disunity among Nasarawa’s diverse population.

    They appealed to President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Human Rights Commission, and international bodies to urgently intervene in what they described as a growing humanitarian crisis.

    Describing the situation as “a humanitarian and legal emergency,” Aondo warned that continued silence could escalate the conflict, deepen ethnic tensions, and spark another round of bloodshed.

    “Our people are currently displaced, traumatised, and living in fear.

    Read Also: Klinsmann slams el-Rufai over attacks on Tinubu, APC

    “The government must not ignore this. Peace must be restored, and justice must be served,” he said.

    The statement said dozens of Tiv villages across Doma, Obi, Awe, Keana, and parts of Lafia Local Government Areas—including Akaha, Utsuwa, Usula, Udugh, Chabo, Wachi, Ayarkeke, and several others—have come under relentless attacks.

    The communities claim that killings and intimidation have escalated in recent weeks, with villagers forced to flee their homes and take refuge in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Agyaragu Town and Abaagu Village, Obi LGA.

    The Tiv group pointed to a preservative court order in SUIT NO. NSD/LF/44/2025 restraining the state government from encroaching on Tiv lands. 

    The believe full compliance with the order was key to peace.

    The communities warn that current efforts to label the Tiv as “settlers” in Nasarawa are not only false but dangerous, fueling ethnic division and inciting violence reminiscent of the 2000–2001 ethnic attacks in the state.

    The Tiv leadership alleged that as recently as July 2, 2025, a Tiv man, Mr. Kyobo Ndar, was murdered and dismembered by criminals at Keberi-Biu in Rukubi Ward of Doma LGA, along the Ajimaka Road.

    They lamented that despite notifying military authorities in the area, no arrest had been made.

    “We have alerted the GOC of the Army Battalion in Doma, yet there has been no single arrest. The killers continue to walk free,” the communities said.

  • Tiv umbrella body heads to court over claim they entertain guests with wives

    Tiv umbrella body heads to court over claim they entertain guests with wives

    Incorporated Trustees of Mzough U Tiv, an umbrella body for Tiv nationalities worldwide, has instituted a suit against the Tiv Area Traditional Council (TATC) over alleged cultural practice by the Tiv tribe.

    The allegation borders on claims that the Tiv man entertains his stranger with his wife.

    Lead counsel to Mzough U Tiv, Sabastine Hon, explained that the cause of action is that the umbrella body of the entire Tiv race has dragged the Tiv traditional council to court to determine the veracity of the claim that Tiv men give their wives out for pleasure.

    He lamented that the matter has raged for long, hence the need to have a permanent solution to it.

    Hon also said they have lined up witnesses who are well versed in Tiv tradition and culture, positing that if anyone has anything to the contrary, this is the time for him to come.

    “There can’t be collective defamation because we don’t have a cause of action to say that your tribe has been defamed. If we have a determination now, then someday, trace any Tiv man character anywhere, this judgment will be binding on him worldwide and it can be used to sue individuals.

    “This is why we are in court, because as a tribe, we have been traumatised. We had expected the Tiv Traditional Council to have taken action since but they deterred and refused to take action, so we are here to enforce our rights as a tribe and nation.

    “Our prayer is for the court to make a declaration that no such custom exists in Tiv land and an order of permanent injunction restraining the Tiv Traditional Council from sitting just aloof.

    Read Also: Impeachment: Another court restrains Rivers Assembly, others

    “We are hoping to get judgment and we are praying to get judgment,” he said.

    Counsel to the Defendant (Tiv Area Traditional Council), Edward Ashiekaa, SAN, said the allegation that Tiv people give out their wives to strangers is completely false.

    He said: “When this allegation came up, there were lots of complaints from well meaning Tiv sons globally and nationally as to what was happening.

    “The Tiv traditional Council was about taking a decision as to the way forward to debunk this allegation when suddenly we were served with the writ of summons to come and defend this.

    “Our defence is very simple, we are asked to do something about it. The traditional council is ready to take a decision on this so that whatever resolution is taken will stand as notice to all.

    “We are not defending the character of the falsehood of this allegation but what we are coming to court to say it that the traditional council is aware of this allegation and is taking every step to ensure that is not repeated at any other time in future.”

    During the mention of the matter, Sabatine Hon, SAN, for the plaintiff, acknowledged that the defendant served him with statement of defence which he has perused and will apply for substantive hearing of the matter because of the issue involved and the zeal in the issue.

    While the defence counsel E. Ashiekaa, SAN confirmed that the defendants have filed service of defence.

    “It is an interesting case, and to the best of my knowledge, this case has never been mentioned, and I join by brother silk to sit down, depending on how many witnesses they will bring.

  • Venita’s ex-husband dismisses her stance on Tiv culture

    Venita’s ex-husband dismisses her stance on Tiv culture

    Reality star, Venita Akpofure’s estranged husband, Terna Tarka, has dismissed controversial claims made by his ex-wife during her stay in the BBNaija All-Stars house.

    The Nation reported that Venita sparked controversy after asserting on the reality show that “Tiv men give their wives to visitors for entertainment purposes.”

    Her ex-husband has now come forward to debunk the claim, asserting that he never subjected her to such practices and emphasised that no Tiv men engage in such acts.

    In a video making the rounds on social media, Tarka could be heard saying: “I’m here today to address a very controversial narrative that has been making the rounds all over social media and the news. This is regarding the statement that when Tiv men host their guests, they give their wives out to these guests for pleasure purposes.

    “Speaking as a proud Tiv man who was born into one of the most prominent families to come out of the Middle Belt region and the first grandson of Joseph Tarka, I would like to categorically state that in all my years of hosting my guests, even the thought of such a derogatory practice has never crossed my mind. Therefore, such a thing never ever occurred in my marriage.

    Read Also: Angel, Venita betrayed Mercy Eke because of men – Reality star Cherry

    “Coming from a prominent Tiv family, it’s easy to be the target of the backlash regarding this matter. On the other hand, I’m also well-placed to speak on behalf of all Tiv people when I state clearly that such a practice has never occurred or existed within the Tiv culture or any other Nigerian culture for that matter.

    “This issue has been addressed by our paramount ruler, His Royal Highness, Prof. James Ayaste. I can assure you that Tiv men are fiercely protective of wives and daughters. I strongly suggest against trespassing, or you will face the consequences.”

    Meanwhile, Venita has since apologised to Tiv people over her “careless” comment.

  • Tiv Nation demands apology from Venita over ‘defamation’

    Tiv Nation demands apology from Venita over ‘defamation’

    Apex Tiv sociocultural organisation, Mdzough U Tiv, Lagos State chapter, has demanded a public apology from #BBNaijaAllStar housemate Venita over alleged defamation..

    Venita has been under fire after she asserted in the reality show that “Tiv men give their wives to visitors for entertainment purposes.”

    Reacting in a statement by its president, Engr. Theophilus Ukaa and Secretary, Anagbe Terungwa, the Lagos State chapter of Mdzough U Tiv demanded an “incontrovertible and unreserved public apology from her whilst she still has the global media platform.”

    The group said Venita’s statement “is not only a falsehood taken too far but an aspersion cast on not just an individual but an entire tribe.”

    “Mdrough U Tiv Lagos State Chapter received with absolute displeasure a trending video which purportedly captured a house mate of the globally popular reality television show Big Brother Naija-BBN, who is referred to as VENITA AKPOFURE, who on the international television show reportedly said the falsehood that the Tiv of North Central Nigeria arguably the fourth largest ethnic group, as their culture gives out their wives for nuptial pleasure to their guests.

    “This statement is not only a falsehood taken too far, but an aspersion cast on not just an individual but an entire tribe, and we take a very strong objection to this unwarranted provocation against our Tiv tribe.

    Read Also: Cross, Venita make peace after uproar over Wager preparation

    “The said Venita Akpofure is reportedly a former wife of a Tiv man from an important family in the Tiv Nation, they are now divorced, so we expect that she should know better and despite the facts of the divorce, she is said to have children from her former marriage, as such we expect that she should be an ambassador of truth for her children’s sakes.

    “That the said Venita Alpeture has decided to band up with evil conspirators intent on image battery of the Tiv Nation and rather champion a course for demeaning her children race, we demand an incontrovertible and unreserved public apology from her whilst she still has the global media platform,” the statement reads..

    The group added that it has directed its lawyers to kick start a legal action against Venita “towards seeking legal redress for this libelous infraction against an entire tribe.”

  • Three killed as Tiv, Jukun crisis escalates

    The chairman of Ukum Local Government council in Benue state, Hon Ibellongo Tyokyaa on Tuesday confirmed that three persons were killed following a bloody communal clash between Tiv and Jukun Youths.

    According to Tyokyaa communal crisis broke out on Monday between Tiv and Jukun youths in the border town of Taraba and Benue states

    An eye witness, Paul Tyona told newsmen that what started like a minor disagreement snowballed into a bloody civil strife which resulted into killings and setting ablaze of houses from both tribes.

    Tyona said as at Tuesday, Jukun youths allegedly stormed a settlement called Atsenga and razed down over 2000 houses including 3000 tubers of Yams and personal belongings.

    Read Also: Family of slain Kolade Johnson demands justice

    It would be recalled that there has been tension in the border towns of Wukari Local Government area in Taraba state and Ukum Local Government area in Benue state.

    The Nation gathered that chairmen of both councils have been trying strenuously to find a common ground to nib the bloody communal crisis in the bud.

    When contacted, spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command said she is yet to receive report on killings.

  • Buhari condemns Tiv, Jukun clash

    •Directs security agencies to fish out perpetrators, financiers, sponsors

    President Muhammadu Buhari has strongly condemned the inter-communal violence between Tiv and Jukun communities in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. The clash has left dozens injured and several houses destroyed. President Buhari, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, expressed deepest sympathies and condolences to the people and the government of Benue State over the losses recorded.

    He wished the injured speedy recovery. The President reaffirmed that his government will not allow any group to incite hatred and violence against others, even as he commended the army, police and other security agencies for promptly bringing the violence to a quick end. President Buhari charged security agencies to fish out the perpetrators, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of violence and charge them to court without delay.

  • Ortom to security agents: Fish out brains behind Tiv, Jukun clash

    Governor Samuel Ortom yesterday asked security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of  the Thursday mayhem between Tiv and Jukun at  Abinsi, Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, in which several houses were burned during a communal clash.

    Locked in the clash in the fishing community were Tiv and Jukun.

    Ortom on a visit to the town yesterday said he was pained that the violence came just a few days after he and his Taraba State counterpart, Mr. Darius Ishaku, agreed on behalf of the people of the two states to live harmoniously.

    He described the violence as a blatant disrespect to the government and traditional institution in the state, pointing out that those who burnt houses must also be apprehended and punished to serve as a warning to others.

    The governor said that residents of Abinsi must live together peacefully irrespective of ethnicity, stressing that the area would not be allowed to harbour criminals.

    He charged the traditional rulers in the area to identify the perpetrators and hand them over to security agents for prosecution, adding that any traditional ruler found culpable would be dethroned.

    The Governor promised to constitute a committee that would investigate the root cause of the crisis for immediate government action.

    Read also: Many homes razed as Tiv, Jukun clash in Benue

    He commended the Police Commissioner in the state, Commanders and men of Operation Whirl Stroke and Python Dance for their swift intervention which he noted prevented the crisis from spreading, even as he solicited for calm among residents.

    District Head of Abinsi, Chief Christopher Bake had explained that the crisis started between two unidentified young men which later snowballed into burning of houses.

  • Many homes razed as Tiv, Jukun clash in Benue

    Many homes were razed yesterday at Abinsi town in Benue State, following a clash between the Tiv and Jukun ethnic nationalities.

    This happened about 12 hours after Benue Governor Samuel Ortom and his Taraba State counterpart, Dairus Ishaku, launched a book in Wukari, Taraba State, for the promotion of peace among residents of both states.

    Abinsi is on the busy Makurdi-Gboko Federal highway, near the bank of River Benue in Guma Local Government Area.

    An eyewitness, Peter Uke, told The Nation that 15 houses belonging to both sides had been razed.

    Uke said the violence started among suspected cult groups but later turned to an ethnic clash between both ethnic groups.

    Ortom and Ishaku, on Wednesday, launched a book at the Federal University of Wukari in Taraba State to promote peace between residents of both states.

    But the bloody crisis at Abinsi raised the question whether the two ethic groups are ready for peace.

    The clash caused a traffic gridlock on the busy Makurdi Federal highway.

    Passengers on the route lined up on the roads to wait for the police.

    Police Commissioner Omololu Bishi, who is barely two weeks in the state, was said to be mobilising his men to bring the situation under control.

    The crisis reportedly started at 6.30 p.m.

  • Breaking: 15 houses burnt as Tiv, Jukun clash in Makurdi

    Several houses have been burnt in Abinsi town Benue State following a clash between Tiv and Jukun ethnic groups.

    The clash is coming less than 12 hours after Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom and his Taraba counterpart, Dairus Ishaku promoted peace through a book launch in Wukari, Taraba state.

    Abinsi town is located on the busy Makurdi – Gboko federal highway, near the bank of River Benue in Guma local government area.

    Read also: Eight die in two Ondo auto crashes

    The clash, it was learnt, started around 6:30pm. But there was no confirmation of death or casualties as at the time of filing this report.

    An eyewitness Peter Uke told The Nation about 15 houses belonging to Tiv and Jukuns have been razed down.

    Uke said the violence started among suspected cults groups but later turned to an ethnic clash between Jukun and Tiv people.

    Ortom and Ishaku on Wednesday launch a book at Federal University of Wukari, in Taraba state to promote peace between Tiv and Jukun.

    But the latest clash has fuelled suspicions the two ethnic nationalities might not be ready for peaceful co-existence.

    There was traffic gridlock on the busy Makurdi – Federal Highway as passengers traveling along put up for police arrival.

    Our correspondent gathered the new Commissioner of Police Omololu Bishi, who is barely two weeks in the state, has been mobilising his men to bring the situation under control.

    Details shortly…