Communal clash: Youths burn 18 houses in Taraba community

Suspected youths have set ablaze no fewer than 18 thatched houses in Tompo Village in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of March 9, was reported by a resident, Zaki Thomas Yamusa of Army Gate 2.

According to the sources, the attackers, believed to be youths speaking the Kuteb language, invaded the village at about 1:00 a.m. and set fire to the houses belonging to Tiv residents who had recently returned to the area.

Sources said Tompo Village had been deserted following a crisis between Tiv and Kuteb communities that erupted in 2006 and lingered for years.

However, Tiv residents reportedly decided to return to their settlement in 2026 after a peace meeting with the Chief of Jenuwa Gida.

The attackers burned down 18 round thatched houses, destroying food grains, mobile phones and other valuables belonging to the victims.

No casualty was recorded during the attack.

A team of police detectives visited the scene and took photographs as part of preliminary investigation.

Village heads from the affected communities have also been invited by the police in a bid to prevent further escalation of the situation.

Sources said intelligence had been activated while surveillance teams had been deployed to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.

The command added that investigation into the incident was ongoing while efforts were being intensified to ensure the situation did not degenerate into a wider communal crisis.