Heightened tension continues to grip several communities in southern Taraba State, but a swift and coordinated military response has successfully prevented what residents feared could have escalated into large-scale militia attacks.
According to media reports, heavily armed troops, including elite special forces backed by soldiers from the 93 Battalion, Ada Barracks in Takum, were quickly deployed to volatile areas after intelligence indicated possible impending violence.
Security sources disclosed that the troops launched decisive offensives on suspected militia hideouts, carrying out sustained bombardments that disrupted the planned attacks. Residents said the operations threw the armed groups into confusion and forced them to retreat.
Locals who spoke with our correspondent confirmed that the military now appears to have gained control of the situation, with several militia fighters reportedly neutralized during the ongoing crackdown.
The intervention has drawn widespread commendation from community stakeholders, many of whom say the presence of soldiers has restored a sense of safety in communities that previously felt under threat.
One of the community leaders, Justine Tyopuusu, expressed cautious optimism over the development. While declining to speak on operational specifics, he noted that residents of Chanchanji community are relieved by the swift action taken by security agencies.
“As a stakeholder, I can confirm that our people are pleased with the response of security agencies to the threats against Tiv communities in southern Taraba,” he said. “We also commend Governor Agbu Kefas for his commitment to restoring peace and enabling farmers to return to their lands as the rainy season approaches. We hope these efforts will be sustained.”
Similarly, the President General of the Tiv Cultural and Social Association in Taraba State, James Bakah, applauded both state and federal authorities for their timely intervention.
“We are grateful that our concerns have been heard. We appreciate the efforts of Governor Agbu Kefas and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for deploying troops. Their actions have strengthened security and neutralized threats posed by militias,” he said.
Bakah further urged authorities not to relent, stressing that sustained military operations would boost public confidence and ensure lasting peace.
Also lending his voice, the Acting Clan Head of Mbatyula in Chanchanji ward, Zaki Terfa Peter Suleagbough, described the deployed personnel as disciplined and highly effective.
“If not for their presence, the situation could have been far worse. We call on the government to sustain this operation and allow troops to remain until the threat is completely eliminated,” he stated.
The latest development follows earlier warnings by Judd Saul, Executive Director of Equipping the Persecuted, who alleged that armed groups were planning coordinated attacks across southern Taraba and parts of neighboring Kaduna State after Ramadan.
For now, residents say the continued presence of troops and ongoing operations have brought relative calm to the region. However, many remain vigilant as security forces intensify efforts to dismantle remaining militia networks and prevent any resurgence of violence.
