Tiv Youth Group Slams Taraba Commissioner Over Dismissal of IDP Petition, Accuses Him of Neglect and Complicity

A youth advocacy organization, the Ayatutu Cultural and Social Development Initiative (AYACASODI) Worldwide, has strongly criticized the Taraba State Commissioner for Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation, Habu James Philip, for dismissing a petition raised by Hon. Peter Achibo, the leader of Tiv Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Wukari Local Government Area.

In a statement signed on Monday by its National President, Chief Timothy Baaki, AYACASODI described the commissioner’s remarks as “morally bankrupt” and accused him of turning his back on his own people during a time of crisis.

“It is disappointing, though not surprising, to hear such an unfortunate and misguided comment from Habu James Philip,” the group stated. “Instead of standing up for his displaced Tiv kinsmen, the commissioner has aligned himself with those contributing to their continued suffering.”

AYACASODI reaffirmed its support for Achibo and the displaced Tiv communities, applauding his bravery in challenging what the group called ongoing systemic injustice and marginalization in Wukari and Southern Taraba.

The organization condemned the commissioner’s lack of action since taking office, alleging that he has failed to visit IDP camps, provide relief, or outline any plans for the resettlement of the displaced. “For nearly two years, he has remained silent. Now he reemerges only to discredit a sincere call for justice,” the statement read.

The group further challenged the commissioner to present tangible evidence of any efforts made to return more than 260,000 displaced Tiv people to their ancestral homes or to address claims that returnees are being forced to sign “license agreements” and offer tributes in the form of farm produce to local chiefs.

AYACASODI also accused the commissioner of ignoring grave incidents, such as the alleged exhumation and burning of Tiv elders’ remains and extortion during burials by traditional authorities.

“If Habu truly believes in dialogue, he must first acknowledge the truth,” the group asserted. “Dialogue that lacks justice, truth, and dignity is merely empty talk.”

The organization urged Tiv communities within Nigeria and in the diaspora to reject what it described as a “dangerous narrative of silence and complicity,” and to continue advocating for justice and the safe return of displaced persons.

The statement comes amid growing unrest and calls for the resettlement of Tiv IDPs in Taraba State, as many continue to accuse the state government of neglect and ethnic discrimination.