Tension erupted in Taraba State as suspected herders attacked farming communities in Bali Local Government Area, injuring one person and setting 62 houses on fire.
The violent clash, which occurred between Tor Bali and Atongo villages, reportedly started over a disagreement at a local pond used by both Tiv farmers and Fulani herders. According to reports, a woman fetching water was allegedly assaulted by herders who brought their cattle to drink from the same pond.
Chairman of Bali LGA, Aboki Dauda, confirmed the incident and said the situation worsened after the woman raised an alarm. “The woman confronted the herders for bringing cattle to drink from the water used by the villagers. She was beaten, and this led to the crisis,” Dauda explained.
A farmer, Ezekiel Gboo, who was attacked, said, “They came with sticks and machetes. I was working on my farm and had to run for my life. I was beaten badly by about 30 of them.”
In response, the Taraba State Government sent a delegation led by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Humanitarian Affairs, Saviour Noku, to the affected communities. Relief items were distributed, and the government urged residents to maintain peace.
“We must give peace a chance. Crisis only causes more suffering,” Noku said during his visit.
Also present was Veronica Alhassan, member of the Taraba State House of Assembly representing Bali One Constituency, who appealed to both sides to end the violence and live in harmony.
The team also visited the palace of the Chief of Bakundi to seek the support of traditional rulers in restoring peace.
In a related development, the government also donated relief materials to victims of a recent windstorm in Garba Chede community, which left six dead and over 200 houses destroyed.
