Tiv Group Cries Out Over Grave Attacks, Demands Justice in Taraba
A Tiv cultural group, the Ayatutu Cultural and Social Development Initiative (AYACASODI), has raised alarm over growing attacks and injustices against the Tiv people in Taraba State.
Speaking to reporters in Jalingo, the group’s president, Chief Timothy Baaki, condemned a shocking incident where the grave of a respected Tiv elder, Sir Michael Usange, was dug up and his body burned in Chiina village, Wukari Local Government. The group says the act was carried out by a Jukun militia led by a man named Angyu Yavini.
In another case, they accused local leaders the Chairman of Wukari LGA and a traditional chief of ordering the removal of a Tiv woman’s corpse in Tor-Iorshaer village. Her family members were attacked, kidnapped, and forced to pay ₦300,000 before being told to dig up the grave. The order was later canceled after public outcry.
While they praised the police for helping to rebury Sir Usange respectfully, the group said such isolated help was not enough and called for proper justice and protection.
Chief Baaki also highlighted the long-running conflict between the Jukun and Tiv people, saying it has forced over 280,000 Tiv people from their homes across several LGAs. He accused the state of trying to erase Tiv history by destroying cultural sites and denying them burial rights.
He strongly rejected claims that the Tiv are not native to Taraba, saying they have lived and farmed in the area since the 1820s.
The group called on Governor Agbu Kefas and the federal government to speak up and act. They also listed five demands:
1. Arrest those behind the grave burning.
2. Refund the ₦300,000 paid by the affected family.
3. Stop further removal of Tiv corpses.
4. Apologies from local leaders involved
5. Help all displaced Tiv people return home safely.
Chief Baaki ended by urging the government and the world to act now, saying, “The Tiv people are tired of suffering in life and even after death.”
As of the time of this report, the Taraba State Government has not responded.
