In the serene agricultural regions of Takum and Donga local government areas in Taraba State, sorrow and uncertainty now characterize the everyday existence of numerous Tiv women whose lives have been disrupted by ongoing violence.
Previously supported by farming and strong family ties, many of these women now find themselves widowed, without homes, and displaced, lacking access to the farmland that once ensured their survival.
Over the weekend, women from communities such as Adu, Gbundu, Demevaa, Tor-Damisa, and New Gboko made a heartfelt plea to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas, urging for immediate action to halt the attacks and restore peace.
Speaking on behalf of the group, their leader, Mrs. Msughshima Tersugh, described a bleak situation for a community pushed to its limits.
"We have lost our husbands, our homes, and our farms. Our children are hungry, and we are uncertain how long we can endure this," she expressed, her remarks reflecting the profound despair felt by many.
Tersugh noted that the violence—attributed to suspected armed groups—has escalated since October of last year. Since then, entire villages have been devastated, homes have been burned, and farmlands have been ruined, leaving families scattered and vulnerable.
The violence has not only displaced residents but has also devastated their primary source of income. For these farming communities, agriculture is not just a job; it is their lifeline.
With the rainy season approaching, anxiety is rising. The inability to return home and plant crops threatens to worsen an already critical situation, raising alarms about potential widespread hunger and food insecurity in the coming months.
"We are appealing to the governor and the President for assistance with security so we can return to our farms. Farming is our sole means of survival," Tersugh implored.
In addition to the immediate loss of life and property, the women caution of an impending humanitarian crisis. Many families, already weakened by displacement, now face the risk of missing an entire farming season—a setback that could have lasting effects on food supply and economic stability in the area.
They are calling on the Taraba State Government to promptly deploy sufficient security forces to safeguard lives and property, enable the safe return of displaced individuals, and prevent further escalation of the crisis.
For these women, the message is straightforward yet urgent: restore peace so they can rebuild their lives. Until then, hope remains fragile, and survival is uncertain.
(Source: The Guardian Newspapers)
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