Residents of communities in Taraba State have recorded a breakthrough in ongoing efforts to curb violent attacks, following the arrest of three suspected looters by a joint team of Fulani, Tiv and local vigilante groups in Donga Local Government Area.
The suspects were apprehended on Friday night in Tavershima after allegedly attacking the community, forcing residents to flee, and looting property following the burning of a village.
The arrests followed rising violence across parts of Donga and Takum Local Government Area, where recent attacks have reportedly led to killings, destruction of farmlands, and displacement of thousands of residents.
Speaking to journalists, a resident of Ananum community, Taryuha Iortim, said Fulani and Tiv leaders agreed to collaborate with vigilante groups to track down those responsible for the attacks.
“We the Tiv and Fulani have agreed among ourselves to get to the root of killings and destruction of properties within our communities. Thousands of people have already been displaced from their villages as a result of the attacks while farm products have been looted, houses have been destroyed and household items vandalized by the attackers,” he said.
He explained that the joint operation was launched after intelligence reports indicated that armed men were planning further attacks.
“We formed a local joint operation among ourselves to assist the vigilant groups. At about 9 pm last Friday, we discovered the attackers came to Tavershima village. We the Tiv, Fulani and vigilant group mobilized in our numbers, we went after attackers, when they discovered that our numbers overwhelmed them, they started running away.”
According to him, the attackers had arrived with vehicles to transport stolen items.
“We discovered that they came with vehicles to load properties they have looted. They have already assembled the items they looted to convey to their areas. We went after them, most of them escaped, we were able to catch three out of the many. We took them and handed over to Ananum Police Station.”
Local sources identified the arrested individuals as: Steven Daniel — resident of Nyivu village; Aboyi Kulungu — also from Nyivu village and Kwayi Ezekiel — from Maraba community
The suspects were reportedly transferred from Ananum Police Station to the Jalingo police headquarters on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Reacting to the development, the spokesman of the Taraba State Police Command, Victor Msherize, said the command was yet to receive official documentation regarding the suspects.
“We are yet to receive such report. Donga is very far from here. The DPO we are conversant with from Donga was transferred just yesterday. We are waiting, for sure, as soon as they arrived, I will let you know the development,” Msherize stated.
Communities across Donga and Takum Local Government Areas have experienced renewed violence in recent weeks, with residents reporting killings, burning of homes, destruction of farm produce, and mass displacement.
Local leaders say the joint Fulani-Tiv-vigilante operation represents a rare show of unity aimed at restoring peace and preventing further attacks in affected communities.
