Tears, Hunger, Fear as Tiv Women in Taraba Cry Out for Help

Grief and uncertainty have taken over farming communities in Takum and Donga Local Government Areas of Taraba State, where hundreds of Tiv women have been left devastated by persistent violence.

Once dependent on agriculture and strong family support systems, many of the women are now widowed, displaced, and without access to their farmlands—their main source of livelihood.

Over the weekend, women from communities such as Adu, Gbundu, Demevaa, Tor-Damisa, and New Gboko appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas for urgent intervention to halt the attacks and restore peace.

Speaking for the group, their leader, Mrs. Msughshima Tersugh, described the severe hardship they are facing.

“We have lost our husbands, homes, and farms. Our children are hungry, and we do not know how long we can continue like this,” she said.

She explained that the violence, reportedly carried out by suspected armed groups, intensified in October last year. Since then, several villages have been destroyed, with homes burnt and farmlands ruined, leaving many families displaced and vulnerable.

The crisis has not only led to loss of lives and property but has also crippled farming activities in the area. For these communities, agriculture is their primary means of survival.

With the rainy season approaching, concerns are growing that the inability to return to their farms could worsen hunger and food shortages in the coming months.

“We are pleading with the government to provide security so we can return to our farms. Farming is our only means of survival,” Tersugh added.

The women warned of an impending humanitarian crisis, noting that missing an entire farming season could have lasting effects on food production and economic stability in the region.

They called on the Taraba State Government to urgently deploy security personnel, ensure the safe return of displaced residents, and prevent further escalation of the violence.

For now, their message remains clear: restore peace so they can rebuild their lives. Until then, survival remains uncertain and hope continues to fade.