Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) fled their homes on April 1, 2019, when a crisis—now over six years old—erupted from what began as a mere football argument between a Jukun and a Tiv man in Kente village, Wukari Local Government Area (LGA) of Taraba State.
Since then, the region has witnessed a cycle of violence and failed peace efforts, ranging from stakeholder meetings between Jukun and Tiv communities, political interventions, to engagements between security agencies and locals. Yet, no lasting solution has emerged. Findings show that the persistent crisis has claimed over 2,700 lives and has fuelled the rise of banditry in Southern Taraba, especially in Wukari LGA.
The violence has not only inflicted deep psychological trauma on displaced persons living in camps and elsewhere but has also severely undermined the area’s economic growth. The Taraba State Government is estimated to have lost over ₦4.8 billion in revenue over the past six years due to the unending unrest.
21 Failed Attempts to Return
Between 2019 and now, there have been 21 documented attempts by displaced Tiv IDPs to return, rebuild, and make peace in Wukari LGA—all ending in violence and further loss of life.
Dr. Terkaa Tyonongu, a displaced resident now living in one of the camps in Kyado, Benue State, expressed frustration over the prolonged ethnic dispute.
“This is just a mere ethnic dispute between two supposed brothers,” he said. “I lost nine members of my family in this undefined crisis that has refused to end for over six years. It’s surprising and disheartening that we continue to count our dead every time we attempt to return and make peace with our Jukun brothers.”
Attacks on Returning IDPs
Returning Tiv IDPs have been attacked 21 times by suspected Jukun militia while attempting to reclaim their ancestral homes in Wukari LGA.
Speaking to Nigerian Tribune, Mr. Peter Achibo and Terhile Ahuur, both IDP camp leaders taking refuge in Benue, said, “Sixty-eight returning Tiv IDPs have lost their lives in these 21 attacks by the Jukun militia.”
“Between 2019 and today, believing it’s better to make peace with our Jukun brothers, we made 21 attempts to return. But each time, we are attacked. We have buried 68 family members as a result,” they added.
Grave Desecration and Attacks on the Dead
Even in death, Tiv victims of the crisis are denied dignity. Families of deceased IDPs revealed that it has become nearly impossible to fulfill the wish of their loved ones—to be buried in their ancestral lands.
“What should ordinarily be a peaceful farewell for the dead has turned into a scene of unimaginable horror,” said one grieving relative. “After hours—or at most a day—of burial, suspected militia members descend on the graves, exhume corpses, and destroy them.”
Outrage from Civil Society and Human Rights Groups
Civil society organizations, human rights advocates, and faith-based groups have not remained silent in the face of these atrocities.
“We are horrified,” said Amina Kifasi, Executive Director of the Centre for Peace and Civic Engagement. “This is a grotesque violation of both human rights and African traditions. Even in war, the dead are sacred.”
The Coalition for Civil Rights Advocates in Taraba described the exhumations as “acts of terror” and demanded immediate intervention from the state government.
“How can this be happening in 2025?” asked Comrade Joseph Ande, CCRAT spokesperson. “We thought we had seen the worst. But this latest one is a step into the abyss.”
Government Silence and Ongoing Killings
The Jukun-Tiv crisis is one of Nigeria’s most enduring and unresolved ethnic conflicts. Rooted in disputes over land ownership, political representation, and the controversial “indigene-settler” dichotomy, the conflict has persisted for decades—flaring up without warning, destroying lives and livelihoods, only to fade briefly before erupting again.
Major violent episodes have been recorded in 1991/1992, 2001/2002, and most recently, from 2019 to date.
According to the Tiv Traditional Leaders’ Council in Taraba, a self-formed body without official government recognition, more than 240 Tiv villages have been abandoned. Farmlands have been seized, homes reduced to ashes, and resettlement efforts sabotaged by fear and systemic inaction.
Many of the same groups that condemned the desecration of corpses also accused the state government of neglecting its duty to protect citizens and resolve the crisis.
“This happened in the hometown of Governor Agbu Kefas,” said Dr. Ioryila Tersoo, President of the Tiv Youth Council Worldwide. “And yet, there’s no word from him. Silence is complicity.”
Governor Kefas, a retired military officer, was recently named Security Man of the Year by journalists in the state for his role in addressing urban violence and curbing banditry. However, critics argue that his silence on the rural ethnic conflict undermines the credibility of that accolade.
Peace advocates say the time has come for the governor to demonstrate political will and genuine commitment to lasting peace.
“If Nigerians are to trust the NUJ’s recognition of the governor,” one peace advocate remarked, “then he must answer: When will the Jukun-Tiv crisis end? When will Tiv IDPs be allowed to return to their ancestral homes in Wukari without being attacked?”
A question from IDP Dr Terkaa Tyonogu Ｋｙａｄｏ
When will the Tiv IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) be allowed to return to Wukari?
Answers is
There is no confirmed date for the full return of Tiv IDPs to Wukari. Even after 21 attempts at return, all have failed. Authorities—including State and Federal Governments—have yet to officially greenlight a safe return timeline .
Who holds responsibility for resolving the Tiv–Jukun crisis?
Taraba State Governor has been identified as the key authority in permitting and facilitating return of Tiv IDPs. The Aku-Uka of Wukari himself noted that the authority to facilitate return rests solely with the State Governor .
Security agencies, notably the Nigerian Army and Police, are also crucial. The Tiv leadership has accused the army of even chasing returnees away and occupying abandoned Tiv homes, undermining return efforts .
Additionally, traditional rulers, local community and religious leaders, and state/federal response teams have roles in mediation, peacebuilding, and providing relief .
Why are suspected Jukun militias blocking Tiv returnees?
The militia interference stems from longstanding issues:
Ethnic land disputes, with Jukun elites claiming Tiv as “settlers” rather than rightful indigenous inhabitants; the Tiv, in turn, claim ancestral ties and land ownership rights in Taraba .
Economic and political contestation, where control over land and access to resources heighten tensions .
Reports of attacks by Jukun militias, including burning huts, looting farms, and shootings; these actions intimidate Tiv from returning and farming their lands .
Summary Table
Question Current Status
Tiv IDP return date? No official timeline; all 21 return attempts so far failed.
Who is responsible? Taraba State Governor sets return policy; security agencies supposed to protect; traditional/religious leaders mediate.
Why militias block Tiv? Land disputes; claims of settler status; political control; active militia attacks deterring return.
What should come next?
1. Formal government approval—especially from the Taraba Governor—for a safe, structured return plan.
2. Visible, consistent security deployment, ideally by neutral forces, to protect returnees and their property.
3. Confidence-building measures, including dialogue involving Tiv and Jukun community leaders, traditional institutions, and religious groups.
4. Justice and accountability, bringing perpetrators of attacks to book to deter further violence and embolden peace .
5. Inclusive governance and economic redress, tackling historical grievances tied to land and political marginalization .
In Conclusion
There is currently no confirmed return date for Tiv IDPs in Wukari.
Responsibility primarily lies with the Taraba State Governor, supported by security forces and mediated by traditional/religious leaders.
Jukun militia opposition is driven by deep-rooted grievances over land, identity, and political dominance.
Sustainable resolution requires coordinated leadership, robust security, inclusive dialogue, and holding conflict entrepreneurs to account.
Activist Hon TC Bibibi Ati