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Military intensifies peace efforts as Tiv-Fulani clashes resurface in Taraba
Military intensifies peace efforts as Tiv-Fulani clashes resurface in Taraba
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade has intensified efforts to restore peace in parts of Taraba State following renewed clashes between Tiv farmers and Fulani herders in Bali and Gassol Local Government Areas.
Fresh hostilities between Tiv farmers and Fulani herders have reignited fears of renewed communal violence in Bali and Gassol Local Government Areas of Taraba, despite months of peace efforts by security agencies and community leaders.
Zagazola Makama report that the fresh violence, which erupted near Dananacha at the weekend, left several people dead and others injured after a dispute over grazing in a beni seed farm spiralled into reprisal attacks.
A Tiv farmer had reportedly confronted herders for grazing their cattle on his yet-to-be-harvested crops. Tempers flared, and according to Tiv community leaders, the herders later mobilised and attacked two farmers on their farmland last Saturday.
The victims, who narrowly escaped with machete wounds, triggered heightened tensions. Matters escalated further on Sunday when an 11-year-old Tiv boy was killed in a related attack, sparking reprisals and counter-attacks on the outskirts of Dananacha, about 25km from Bali town. Several deaths and destruction were reported across adjoining villages.
Most of the affected settlements fall within Bali LGA, with spillover violence recorded in parts of Gassol. The Youth President of the Tiv community in the area said that the violence was avoidable, but lamented that disputes over farmland and grazing rights continue to fuel mistrust between the two groups.
Brigade authorities confirmed that Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bali swiftly moved some of its headquarters elements to Dananacha and deployed an additional soldiers to volatile flashpoints to prevent further escalation.
“We have repositioned our troops and temporarily moved our HQ to Dananacha to reassure the people of their safety. Confidence-building patrols are ongoing and the situation has been calm in the past three days,” sources said.
It will be recalled that the Tiv-Fulani conflict in Bali and Gassol first escalated in May and June 2025, leading to deaths in Borno Kuru-Kuru, Tor Baki and Dananacha axis. In response, 6 Brigade organised three separate stakeholders’ meetings between Tiv and Fulani leaders on June 22–23, where peace accords were signed.
Prior to the agreements, troops had conducted sustained patrols across affected communities to check attacks and reassure villagers. However, isolated killings and reprisals have resurfaced, prompting the renewed military intervention.
The Brigade said it plans to once again convene Tiv and Fulani stakeholders for dialogue to reinforce the peace process. “Our commitment remains to ensure lasting peace. We will not allow a return to large-scale violence,” the Commander stated.
The proactive deployment of troops has been instrumental in averting wider bloodshed, but note that sustained dialogue and community reconciliation remain critical to resolving the recurring crisis.
Military presence has restored relative calm, with villagers gradually returning to their normal activities under the watch of security patrols.
For now, calm has returned, but villagers remain on edge, wary that a single spark could once again set off a wave of violence.
End
Soldier found dead after chasing attacker in Kwara
By: Zagazola Makama
A Nigerian Army personnel has been found dead after pursuing an assailant in Twatagi village, Patigi Local Government Area of the state.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred on Oct. 21, 2025, around 5:30 p.m., when the deceased soldier, Private Usman Alhaji attached to Apapa, Lagos, was riding on a motorcycle with one Muhammad Baba, a native of Twatagi village.
While on their way to Patigi town, they encountered a man walking along the road with a stick, who suddenly struck them as they passed by. The man immediately fled into the bush.
The sources stated that Private Alhaji pursued the assailant on foot but failed to return. After waiting for hours without seeing him, Muhammad Baba reportedly searched the area but could not locate the soldier.
However, at about 2:00 p.m. the following day, villagers discovered the lifeless body of the soldier in the bush.
Police operatives visited the scene and observed that the victim sustained a stab wound to the neck.
The body was released to the family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrator.
Soldier found dead after chasing attacker in Kwara
Security forces raid bandits’ camp in Sokoto, neutralise two, recover arms
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces have neutralised two bandits and recovered arms and ammunition during a raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Julirkol Forest, Silame Local Government Area of the state.
Zagazola Makama report that the operation was carried out by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit on Oct. 22, 2025, following credible intelligence that a group of armed bandits wielding sophisticated weapons were hibernating in the forest.
On arrival at the camp, the hoodlums reportedly opened fire on the police team, prompting a fierce gun duel that lasted several minutes.
According to sources , the bandits were overpowered, leading to the neutralisation of two of them, while others escaped into the forest with gunshot wounds.
Items recovered from the camp include one AK-49 rifle with breach number 80 KC 3335, one fabricated rifle without a serial number, three sharp cutlasses, and ten rounds of live ammunition.
Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, commended the operatives for their bravery and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes in the state.
Security forces raid bandits’ camp in Sokoto, neutralise two, recover arms
Court Asks Kanu To Open Defence After Sacking Own Legal Team
By: Our Reporter
A federal high court sitting in Abuja on Thursday adjourned till Friday to enable the detained self acclaimed leader of the proscribed separatist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, begin his defence.
Kanu, who was scheduled to open his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial on Thursday, dramatically fired his legal team.
When the case was called, Kanu Agabi (SAN), who had led Kanu’s legal team until Thursday, announced his decision, with other Senior Advocates in the team, to withdraw from the case.
Agabi said the reason for their withdrawal “is because the defendant has taken this case back from us and we respect that.”
He gave the name of the other SANs, withdrawing to include: Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Joseph Akubo (SAN), Paul Erokoro (SAN), Emeka Etiaba (SAN) and one other.
Following Agabi’s announcement, Justice James Omotosho turned to Kanu, who was in the dock, for his response.
Kanu confirmed sacking all his lawyers, telling the court that he was willing and ready to conduct his case by himself.
Justice Omotosho then, ordered other members of the defendant’s legal team who were in court, except the SANs to vacate the courtroom.
The judge thereafter turned to the defendant and asked him to open his case.
Kanu begin by arguing about the jurisdiction of the court to further conduct his trial. He was subsequently overruled by the judge, who insisted that he most proceed with his defence.
At that point, Ikpeazu intervened and drew the attention of the court to the fact that their (Kanu’s lawyers’) withdrawal took effect on the morning of Thursday.
He prayed the court to grant Kanu some time to gather his thoughts and compose himself for the task ahead.
Prosecuting lawyer did not object, following which Justice Omotosho adjourned till Friday, October 24 to enable the IPOB open his defence.
Court Asks Kanu To Open Defence After Sacking Own Legal Team
Soldier found dead after chasing attacker in Kwara
Security forces raid bandits’ camp in Sokoto, neutralise two, recover arms
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