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.
“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.
