Jacob Abam, the Councillor representing Akete Ward in Donga Local Government Area (LGA) of Taraba State, HRH Vaatyough Waakaa, village head of Mbaiyoon, and 12 other villagers were killed during coordinated attacks by suspected herders, with farm produce and houses worth millions of naira destroyed.
The attacks reportedly followed a confrontation over cows that strayed into a cassava farm owned by a Tiv farmer.
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Victor Antaav, a former Donga LGA councillor, told our correspondent that when the farm owner resisted the invasion, the herders attacked him with a cutlass, inflicting multiple injuries.
“One of the herders was also caught and manhandled by the locals. In retaliation, the herders mobilised overnight, killing innocent villagers, destroying crops, and burning homes with properties worth millions of naira,” Antaav said.
Those killed on January 9, 2026, include Zaki, Vaatyogh Waakaa (village head of Anchough-Shagu), Jacob Abam, Akombo Shaku, Tarkaha Dorough, Terkura Myavega, Terfa Asaaga, Iorya Mbaan, Azeda Abugh, and Mrs Abugh.
Additional victims discovered on January 10 include Terzugwe Orhumbuga, Abacha Oraer, and Tamen Ahemba.
Several villages were destroyed in the attacks. On January 9, Tse Shagu, Tse Anger, Tse Uhura, Tse Ikyahar, Agboughur, and Tse Kwadan were affected. The following day, Tse Ikyanyon and neighbouring settlements were destroyed, with homes, farm produce, and seedlings razed. All affected communities are reportedly Tiv farming settlements.
Victor Msherizar, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Taraba State Command, had not responded to requests for comment at the time of reporting.
