Clergy of Tiv Extraction Condemns incessant murder of Tiv Sons and Daughters in Taraba

 In a Press briefing organised by the Forum of the Clergy of Tiv Extraction  (FCTE), Bali-Gashaka Local Government Councils, Taraba State on 23rd March, 2024 and Presented by the Chairman, Tiv Clergy Forum, Taraba State, Ven. Nathaniel Saawua, Condemned the incessant murder of Tiv Sons and Daughters in the state

“Gentlemen of the press, It is with a heavy heart that we come forward to adress you this morning on the developments that follow the recent gruesome and barbaric murder of Rev. Abah Jacob and his wife, Mirrian Abah Jacob alongside several other persons by Ichen Militia Youth on Wednesday 13th March, 2024 in the morning, at Mararaba in Donga Local Government Council, Taraba State.” he said.

Taraba News learnt that Rev. Abah Jacob, until his murder, was a pastor with The African Church, Kyado Archdeaconry, posted to The African Church Adi Parish in Bali Local Government Council, Taraba State.

He left his station on Hajue bike with his wife, Mirrian and son, Kumator, (a sucking baby of less than a year) on Wednesday 13th March, 2024 as early as 4:00 am for his home town, Tor Ayaba, Ukum Local Government Council, Benue State. The journey he would neither reach his destination, nor return. Him and his wife were gruesomely murdered in Mararaba Town and their bodies dumped at Mount Zion, a private school within Mararaba. 

The pastor was not just killed but his body was burnt beyond recognition. As we speak, there is no information about his son, whether he is alive or dead. Even when we went to recover his corpse for burial, these militias still came with guns to attack, if not because of the security presence. This goes to say that this murderous act carried out on innocent commuters by the militias was intentional. 

Moreover, the murderous incidence that claimed  pastor's life and his wife also claimed the lives of not fewer than seven (7) other harmless, innocent Tiv commuters in addition.

These harmless innocent Tiv commuters were allegedly ambushed and murdered by  Mararaba militia Youth in their cold blood between Gamkwe and Mararaba, on Donga - Mararaba road between 12th and 13th March, 2024 

According to the chairman of the forum,  those who were murdered in the incidence and their respective locations are

Michael Ukari (m) from Sabon Dale,  

Terundu Michael (f) from Sabon Dale, 

Terna Orya (m) from Iorashe, Sansani and 

Erdoo Aluga (f) - from Gazabu 

Others were: 

Rev. Jacob Abal  (m) from The African Church Adi, Bali. 

Mirrian Abah Jacob (f) from The African Church Adi, Bali, 

Jacob Ternenge (m) - from Ugbayongo, Pangri, 

Msega Joseph Mvihi (m) - from Ugbayongo, Pangri, 

Aondofa Member (f) - from Ugbayongo, Pangri. 

He added that, the Tiv people in Taraba State are being marginalized and deprived of freedom of movement..

“Gentlemen of the press, this unfortunate incidence has left us with many unanswered questions.  We are pondering with a simple fact that there is no war and why would innocent commuters be ambushed and mercilessly murdered in their cold blood just like that without provocation?

Again, the pastor and his wife's corpses were recovered within Mararaba Town, that means they were murdered inside the town. Where were the security agencies that up till now, no arrest has been made?

Also, not fewer than nine people were killed, and it appears to us as if nobody is bothered because no one family of the victims is contacted by the authority, no official visitation or press release by either Donga or Bali Local Government Councils. Why?

Are Tiv people not having the same fundamental human rights as other tribes in Taraba State? Don't we have freedom of movement? Don't we have right to life? Why would all these be voilated and authorities would say nothing?” He said.

He  appreciated the efforts of the men of Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Bali Division who ensured that the corpses of the deceased were recovered, pointing out  that they  were surprised that no official investigation has been ordered by the authorities.

 

Our reporter reports  that those who sustained injuries but devinely escaped, were admitted at the General Hospital, Bali. But  One person has died there and some of them have little or nothing to foot the bills of the treatments they are receiving, this is even as some have resigned to fate as they have nothing that will sustain their Stay at the hospital 

In conclusion,  he  called on the attention of the authorities concern to the pathetic and unfortunate situation, he also  called on spirited individuals who are touched by this incidence to come to the aid of the victims and the bereaved by providing succour to them to alleviate some of their physical and emotional pains.