Councillor, Monarch, 10 Others Killed In Taraba Attack

About a week ago, there was a violent attack that erupted on Tiv farmers in Akete ward, Donga local government area of Taraba State, where the councillor representing the ward, Hon. Vaatyough Waakaa, a village head of Mbaiyoon, and 10 others were reportedly killed.

The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, January 6th, 2026, at Tor-Damsa village in the area, was allegedly carried out by armed militia suspected to be Fulani herders.

LEADERSHIP findings revealed that farm produce, houses and other valuables were destroyed during the attack on the Tiv farmers, whereas many villagers were forced to flee to neighbouring communities for safety.

Sources reported that the growing tension and persistent attacks are reportedly linked to disagreements over land ownership and local boundary claims, despite previous peace efforts by stakeholders in the area.

Some of the survivors said the assailants stormed Akete and other neighbouring settlements and moved from house to house to unleash mayhem on the people.

The survivors, however, accused security agencies of not being proactive when distress calls were made, even before the situation escalated.

The killing of the Akete Ward councillor has added a political dimension to the crisis, raising questions about whether the attack was targeted or part of a broader communal or reprisal violence.

ASP Victor Mshelizah, the Acting Police Public Relations Officer of the command, who confirmed the incident, said three persons, excluding the councillor and the village head, were discovered killed.

ASP Mshelizah added that tactical teams have been deployed to Donga to restore calm, while investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible.

“The Command will not relent in its efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice,” the police assured.

The chairman of the Donga local government, Yahaya Ali Iki, in a statement, condemned the killings, describing them as a senseless assault on peace, security and democratic institutions at the grassroots.