wave of violence has claimed the lives of at least 11 residents in Akete Ward, Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State

A wave of violence has claimed the lives of at least 11 residents in Akete Ward, Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State, following a coordinated late-night assault by Fulani Herdsmen.

The peace of Akete Ward was shattered on the night of Tuesday, January 6, 2026, as armed attackers launched a brutal raid on the community and surrounding settlements. The assault, which residents describe as sudden and highly organized, has left the region in a state of mourning and high tension.

The Human Toll

The attack resulted in immediate fatalities and massive displacement of the local population.

High-Profile Casualty: Among the 11 confirmed dead is the councillor representing Akete Ward, a loss that has sent shockwaves through the local political leadership.

Widespread Displacement: Hundreds of villagers, including women and children, have been forced to flee their homes, with many seeking refuge in the bushes or neighboring towns.

Destruction of Livelihoods: Eyewitnesses report that several homes were razed to the ground and granaries were looted, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis for those who survived.

Root Causes and Tensions

While security agencies are still investigating the specific identities of the gunmen, local sources point to deep-seated issues that have plagued the Donga-Wukari axis for years:

Land and Boundary Disputes: Long-standing disagreements over farming land and boundary disputes are believed to be a primary trigger for the recent escalation.

Farmer-Herder Friction: Persistent tensions between local farmers and migratory herders continue to be a volatile factor in the region's security landscape.

Spillover Violence: The attack comes as neighboring LGAs in Taraba face similar unrest, leading Governor Agbu Kefas to implement stricter security executive orders across the state earlier this month.

wave of violence has claimed the lives of at least 11 residents in Akete Ward, Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State

Government and Security Action

The Taraba State Police Command has confirmed the deployment of tactical units to the area to restore order.

"We are working tirelessly to track the perpetrators and ensure that peace returns to Akete. We urge the public to refrain from reprisal attacks, which only serve to prolong the cycle of violence," a police spokesperson stated.

Governor Kefas has condemned the killings as "barbaric" and has directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to provide immediate relief materials to the displaced survivors in Donga LGA.